A mother from Swinton, Karen Molloy, recently shared her story of having a heart attack while on holiday in Scotland. She experienced an overwhelming sense of dread, followed by nausea and light-headedness, but decided to ignore the symptoms and continue with her vacation activities, such as white water rafting. However, when she felt the symptoms return along with neck pain while taking a shower a week later, she sought medical help.
Although initially told it was just bad indigestion, further tests revealed that she had actually suffered a heart attack. Karen wants to raise awareness about the fact that heart attacks don’t always present with dramatic collapses, as often portrayed on TV. Instead, symptoms can include heaviness, tightness, radiating pain, or discomfort. She urged people to trust their intuition and listen to their bodies.
A recent survey revealed that a significant number of adults lack confidence in recognizing the signs of a heart attack. This lack of awareness is even more prevalent among those over the age of 55, who are at a higher risk. Karen’s story serves as a reminder that heart attacks can happen to anyone, regardless of age or apparent health.
After spending a few days in the hospital, Karen was sent home with medication that she will need to take for the rest of her life. Unfortunately, she experienced a second heart attack 15 years later, at the age of 55. This even greater shock made her question her future and the impact it would have on her children. Despite not being a smoker or heavy drinker, Karen still suffered two heart attacks, emphasizing that anyone can be at risk.
Professor Nick Linker, a cardiologist and NHS England’s national clinical director for heart disease, stressed the importance of recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack and seeking immediate medical attention. Chest pain is the most common symptom, but other signs can include pain or pressure in various parts of the body, dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea.
It is vital that the public is educated about the warning signs of a heart attack to ensure early intervention and improve the chances of survival. Recognizing and acting upon these symptoms could save lives.
Source: Manchester Evening News