Most of us don’t want to make a big deal about minor health problems since as we get older, aches and pains are a daily part of our lives. The problem is when we ignore certain symptoms we could be putting ourselves in jeopardy for what might be life-threatening conditions. Doctors say there are at least four crucial signs that shouldn’t be ignored under any circumstance. When you know what they are, and you react appropriately, you could save your life -- or the life of someone you know.
Chest Discomfort It could be acid reflux or a peptic ulcer, so a little discomfort in your chest area may not be a big deal, right? Wrong. Chest pain can be one of the primary signs of a heart attack – and studies show women often ignore the symptoms of a heart attack. Other signs include: fatigue, shortness of breath, upper-back pressure, nausea, and/or feeling faint. What should you do? Don’t delay. If you’re feeling pain in your chest, go to a hospital emergency room.
Gasping For Breath Sure, there are times when you’re running for a bus, or have asthma or allergies, when you get a little breathless. But if you find yourself suddenly having difficulty breathing when you’re doing everyday things like vacuuming, or making a bed, or climbing stairs, it’s time to pay attention because it could be a symptom of congestive heart failure, lung cancer, emphysema, or pulmonary embolism (PE), a potentially life-threatening blood clot in the leg that breaks loose and travels to the lung, blocking oxygen and blood flow. PE is more common in women over sixty years of age.
