Heart Disease is the number 1 killer in Malaysia. In the US, a heart attack occurs every 40 seconds.  

A heart attack happens is when blood flow is partially or completely blocked to a part of the heart. This can be caused by plaque or cholesterol accumulating in your artery vessels, restricting blood flow, thus killing your heart cells.  

A heart attack is life-threatening and understanding the signs of a heart attack is so important. 

Here are 3 signs of a potential heart attack

1. Chest Pain/Pressure 

For individuals suffering from diabetes, chest pain is less likely to occur during a heart attack. This is due to diabetic nerve damage leading to masked symptoms.  

Unexplained chest pain should always be checked by your doctor regardless of severity.  

2. Shortness of Breath  

Leading up to a heart attack, you’ll feel unexplained fatigue/tiredness and shortness of breath. This is due to your heart’s inability to pump oxygenated blood throughout your body. Your body requires oxygen to function properly. Naturally, you will feel out of breath. 

Shortness of breath can occur for a few days or weeks leading to a heart attack.  

Unexplained shortness of breath should always be checked by your doctor.

3. Pain in other parts of your body 

During a heart attack, chest pain may or may not be present. Some individuals report pain/discomfort spreading to different parts of the body like the back, to one arm, to the stomach or jaw.  

Regardless, heart disease is a largely preventable disease. Speak to your doctor/pharmacist for more information about your heart health. When in doubt of symptoms, always call an ambulance at “999” if you are in Malaysia.