Heart attack: 95% of women survivors report experiencing THESE symptoms a month prior to the event

A heart attack can often happen suddenly and unexpectedly. However, in many cases, heart attack symptoms develop much more gradually and in advance, even a month before the event of heart attack.

In such cases, being aware that these signs could actually be signaling a major heart problem, may help you take the right and timely measures to prevent the attack from happening.

Harvard Health cites a survey of more than 500 women who survived heart attacks. The report busts a popular myth about the sudden nature of heart attacks.

In the survey, 95 percent of women said they noticed that something wasn't right in the month or so before their heart attacks. Going into detail, two most common signs which indicated the impending heart attack were fatigue and disturbed sleep.

Shortness of breath, weakness, a clammy sweat, dizziness, and nausea are some of the top signs experienced during a heart attack, according to the survey.

The classic symptom of chest pain is a common early warning sign of heart trouble for men. However, it was further down the list for these women. Those who did experience it, felt “pressure”, “aching”, or “tightness in the chest”, instead of pain. Only about one-third of the women in this study experienced chest pain during the heart attack.

Commenting on the findings of the survey, Harvard Health says, "One take-home message is that some women may get an early warning of an impending heart attack in the form of excessive tiredness, disturbed sleep, or shortness of breath."

"Paying attention to these symptoms and getting prompt diagnosis and treatment just might stave off a full-blown heart attack,” the health body continues.

Harvard Health advices that "women and their doctors need to think beyond chest pain when it comes to what women experience as a heart attack blossoms,” adding, “instead of writing off shortness of breath, fatigue, cold sweat, dizziness, and nausea as signs of something that will pass, everyone needs to give these symptoms a second."

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As per NHS UK, one should immediately call for an ambulance to seek medical assistance in the event of a heart attack. "While waiting for an ambulance, it may help to chew and then swallow a tablet of aspirin (ideally 300mg), as long as the person having a heart attack is not allergic to aspirin." Aspirin improves blood flow to the heart by helping to thin the blood.

In the hospital, treatment for a heart attack depends on how serious the attack and its impact is, explains the NHS UK. The two main treatments are:

-Using medicines to dissolve blood clots

- Doing surgery to help restore blood to the heart

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It is best to lead a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent getting a heart attack in the first place, or prevent having another heart attack.

According to the British Heart Foundation, eating healthy foods, being physically active, and maintaining a healthy weight are some important steps for reducing your risks of an attack. Avoiding smoking and reducing your alcohol intake is also essential for good health. It is also important to healthily maintain your blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels.