Heart failure is a problem that can affect any of us. Of course, some people are much more likely to have it, but even a healthy individual can be affected. The most common group struggling with the problem are men over 50. However, high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease or diabetes are risk factors. Did you know that the onset of sudden heart failure can be spotted even 24 hours in advance?

If you experience sudden and severe chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, fainting and dizziness, you should call an ambulance immediately. In this case, it is literally minutes that decide whether a person survives. Apart from the fact that the symptoms differ slightly between men and women, many people do not know that the problem can be spotted well in advance.

Warning Signal

A heart attack is usually thought of as a sudden heart failure that occurs without anyone being able to predict it. However, researchers warn that the signs appear even 24 hours in advance. In men, it is usually chest pain. In women, shortness of breath is a problem. These are symptoms we usually associate with heart attacks, but if they pass quickly, we don’t make a big deal out of it.

In sudden heart failure, a person's life is literally decided in minutes. ━━ In sudden heart failure, a person's life is literally decided in minutes. ( Source: Engin Akyurt /  Unsplash+ )

Unfortunately, the researchers say that if someone is bothered by this problem, it will most likely reappear within 24 hours along with other symptoms, but then it will depend on the minutes whether the person lives to see another day. Further, smaller subgroups of both sexes reported symptoms such as abnormal sweating, the study adds.

Why do so many people miss the warning?

There are several reasons:

  • Ignorance: chest pain is commonly associated with heart attacks, but shortness of breath or sweating may not be immediately associated with something serious.
  • Delayed reaction: people often hesitate or wait until the problem gets worse. Few people prefer to call an ambulance.
  • The myth of the ‘silent’ incident: much research emphasises that heart failure is very quick and often unexpected. Few people realize that this is not true.

Don’t underestimate the symptoms. Although it may seem like nothing is wrong, as soon as something happens to you or someone around you, you’d better call for help. Even if it is an unnecessary intervention, it is still far better than underestimating anything. A quick response saves lives. And if you wait until the situation gets worse, it may already be too late.