Many people consider having a heart attack as easy to spot- pain in the chest, left arm and jaw, and all the sweaty drama that goes with it like we see on TV.

…but the reality is, heart attacks are much more subtle!

It is estimated that as many as 1 in 4 heart attacks are considered “silent,” meaning they appear out of the blue, with no clear warning signs preceding the event.

However, researchers are finding that there actually ARE signs; we just aren’t seeing them and/or reacting to them.

That’s why today we will look at the 4 signs to which you must pay attention- even if you don’t smoke, have heart disease, or any other at-risk disease- to know if your heart is about to go off.

Heart disease kills more men and women every year than most cancers.  It has been found in people as young as 9 years old, especially if there are other conditions like diabetes, obesity, or exposure to second-hand smoke.

These things have been found to happen right before a heart attack…so if you experience them or are seeing them in someone you love, it’s time to act:

–          Dull, come-and-go pain– of course, the tell-tale sign of abundant pain radiating up and down the left arm is a warning sign, but did you know that ANY discomfort in the upper body and extremities can be cause for alarm?  Pay attention to it, and get help if it also accompanies…

–          Nausea and vomiting- if you are going about your day, feeling generally well and suddenly you start vomiting- and can’t tie it to something you ate- it’s time to take notice.  Make a note of how many times you vomit and if there is pain preceding bouts of it, and if so, where.

–          Sweating profusely, or even just noticeably- People usually do sweat some when they vomit, or when they experience pain.  But if you have pain, nausea, and sweating all lumped together, get to the doctor immediately.

–          Shortness of breath- most people will find shortness of breath accompanying strenuous workouts.  They will also sometimes experience dizziness.  But if you haven’t been working out, or sitting down and cooling off offers no relief, go to the ER. Shortness of breath is one symptom ER staff is extremely sensitive to, as it typically harkens very bad events about to happen.  If it hurts to inhale or exhale, or you feel as if you are breathing through a straw, it’s time to get help.

Many times, a general feeling of malaise or lethargy can happen for days or even weeks leading up to a heart attack, so if you have been feeling under the weather and these other symptoms start to appear, take notice.

High Blood Pressure is the #1 cause of heart attack.By far the best way to lower blood pressure is using these 3 easy exercises, proven to drop blood pressure below 120/80 as soon as today…

High cholesterol is often called the “silent killer” as well.  This condition is one of the leading causes of stubborn cardiovascular disease that leads to stroke and heart attack. Tackle it today, without having to sacrifice foods you love following this step-by-step plan…