People in Ireland are being urged to know the subtle signs of a heart attack that they may miss.

Health department officials issued a warning on social media.

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A heart attack is a serious medical emergency in which the blood supply to the heart is suddenly cut off. This is usually caused by a blood clot.

There are eight symptoms to look out for that indicate a heart attack. they are:

• chest pain
• pain in other parts of the body
• Feel lightheaded or dizzy on standing up
• sweating
• shortness of breath
• Feeling unwell (nausea) or sick (vomiting)
• An overwhelming feeling of anxiety (like a panic attack)
• cough or wheezing

Chest pain is a feeling of pressure, tightness, or tightness in the center of the chest.

Chest pain is often severe, but some people only experience mild pain, similar to indigestion.

Another similar symptom is body pain, which can feel like it’s traveling from your chest to your arms, jaw, neck, back, and abdomen.

Body pain usually occurs in the left arm, but may affect both arms.

Lightheadedness or dizziness, sweating, coughing or wheezing, and shortness of breath are common symptoms of a heart attack.

Extreme anxiety and a panic attack-like feeling may present as a heart attack.

If you have had a heart attack, it is important to rest while waiting for an ambulance to avoid unnecessary strain on your heart.

sudden cardiac arrest

The heart may sometimes stop beating due to a condition known as ventricular arrhythmia or sudden cardiac arrest.

There are three signs that suggest the person has gone into cardiac arrest.

• they don’t seem to be breathing
• they are not moving
• They do not respond to stimuli such as being touched or spoken to.

If sudden cardiac arrest occurs, use an automated external defibrillator if available.

If you do not have access to the equipment, you should call 999 or 112 immediately and perform chest compressions to help restart the heart.

How can I prevent a heart attack?

The Irish Heart Foundation shares some of the best ways to keep your heart as healthy as possible.

Too much bad cholesterol can stick to your artery walls and have a very negative impact on your cardiovascular health. This makes it difficult for blood to flow, which can directly cause a heart attack.

High blood pressure can also increase your risk of heart attack, but since high blood pressure has no obvious symptoms, get your blood pressure checked regularly and keep it under control.

The following healthy lifestyle changes will help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, significantly reducing your risk of heart attack.

These include:

• be physically active – This is the key to cardiovascular health. Even a little exercise can help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and weight.
• eat healthy food – A balanced diet is just as important as exercise, so eat plenty of fruit, whole grains, moderate amounts of dairy, and lean protein. Try to limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks and sweets.
• no smoking – Smoking contributes to long-term clogged and narrowed arteries, increasing the risk of blood clots.
• Manage your salt intake – High levels of sodium can increase blood pressure and increase risk of heart attack
• manage stress levels – When we are stressed, certain hormones are produced in the blood, and when in sufficient supply, they can damage arteries and increase blood pressure.
• maintain a healthy weight – Being overweight means your heart has to work harder to pump blood around your body, which can wear out your heart and blood vessels