Why Lipid Testing is Essential for People Over Forty

Signs of Heart Attack That Should Not Be Ignored

A heart attack, or  myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, often due to a blood clot or buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. This interruption deprives the heart muscle of oxygen and, if not treated quickly, can cause permanent damage or even death. Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack is essential because immediate medical attention can save lives. Unfortunately, many people ignore early symptoms or mistake them for less serious conditions, which delays treatment. Understanding the signs that should never be overlooked is crucial for both prevention and timely care.

1. Chest Pain or Discomfort

The most common sign of a heart attack is chest pain or discomfort, often described as pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest. This sensation may last more than a few minutes or come and go. While not all chest pain indicates a heart attack, persistent or severe discomfort should never be ignored.

2. Pain Radiating to Other Parts of the Body

Heart attack pain is not always confined to the chest. It may spread to the shoulders, arms, back, neck, jaw, or even the upper stomach. Left arm pain is particularly common, but discomfort in both arms can also occur. This radiating pain is often overlooked, yet it is a strong warning sign that the heart is in distress.

3. Shortness of Breath

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, with or without chest pain, can signal a heart attack. This symptom occurs because the heart is struggling to pump blood effectively, reducing oxygen circulation. Shortness of breath may appear suddenly, even while at rest or during light physical activity.

4. Sweating

Unexplained, excessive sweating—often described as a cold sweat—can be an early indicator of a heart attack. Unlike normal perspiration caused by heat or exercise, this type of sweating is sudden and may be accompanied by dizziness or nausea.

5. Nausea, Indigestion, or Stomach Pain

Some people, especially women, may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, or stomach discomfort during a heart attack. These symptoms are sometimes mistaken for food poisoning or acid reflux, which delays appropriate care.

6. Fatigue and Weakness

Unusual fatigue, particularly in women, can be an early sign of heart problems. Feeling extremely tired, weak, or drained without a clear reason may occur days or even weeks before a heart attack. When this fatigue is combined with other symptoms like chest discomfort or shortness of breath, it should raise concern.

7. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

A sudden feeling of lightheadedness or fainting may indicate a drop in blood pressure due to reduced heart function during a heart attack. This symptom, when combined with chest pain or shortness of breath, requires immediate medical evaluation.

The Importance of Quick Action

When it comes to a heart attack, every minute counts . The faster medical treatment ,  better the chances of survival and reduced heart damage. If you or someone around you experiences these warning signs, calling emergency services immediately is the best step to take. Driving oneself to the hospital is not advisable, as the condition can worsen suddenly.

Take Charge of Your Heart Health with Manipal TRUtest

At Manipal TRUtest Diagnostics, we believe that prevention and early detection are the best defenses against heart disease. Our advanced cardiac health profiles, lipid panels, and troponin tests help assess your risk accurately and enable timely intervention.

Take a proactive step toward protecting your heart — book your Heart Health Check or Cardiac Risk Test today at your nearest Manipal TRUtest center.
Your heart deserves timely attention — because every beat counts.

Signs of Heatstroke and How to Prevent It

Summer brings longer days, outdoor fun, and vacations, but it also raises the risk of heat-related illnesses. One of the most serious conditions to watch out for during hot weather is heatstroke. It can happen quickly and needs immediate attention. Knowing the warning signs and learning how to prevent it can help you and your loved ones stay safe during the hotter months.

What is Heatstroke?

Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises above 104°F (40°C) due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, especially combined with dehydration. When the body cannot cool itself down effectively through sweating, organs can begin to fail, and it becomes a medical emergency.

Unlike simple heat exhaustion, heatstroke can cause serious harm to the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles if not treated promptly. It’s important to act fast if you notice symptoms.

Common Signs of Heatstroke

Recognizing the signs early can save lives. The common signs of Heartstroke are :-

1. High Body Temperature

The most noticeable sign is a body temperature above 104°F. If someone feels extremely hot to the touch and appears flushed, it may signal heatstroke.

2. Altered Mental State

Agitation, slurred speech, irritability, seizures, confusion, or even coma are possible signs. Any change in mental function must be taken seriously.

3. Hot and Dry Skin

In classic heatstroke, the skin becomes hot and dry because the body has lost its ability to sweat. In some cases, the skin might feel moist, especially if heatstroke is triggered by intense exercise.

4. Rapid Heartbeat and Breathing

The heart rate speeds up as the body struggles to cool down. Breathing may also become shallow and quick.

5. Nausea and Vomiting

Heatstroke can make a person feel sick, leading to vomiting and stomach discomfort.

6. Headache

A throbbing headache is often one of the first symptoms people notice when their body is overheating.

If you or someone else experiences any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical help immediately.

How to Prevent Heatstroke

Fortunately, heatstroke is largely preventable with some simple steps:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid excessive intake of alcohol or caffeinated drinks as they can dehydrate you.
• Dress Smart: Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes that allow your body to breathe.
• Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Try to stay indoors between 11 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Use Sunscreen: Protect your skin with a good sunscreen to prevent sunburn, which can affect your body's ability to cool down.
• Take Frequent Breaks: If you are working or exercising outdoors, take regular breaks in the shade or a cool area.
• Eat Light: Heavy meals can increase body temperature. Opt for fruits, vegetables, and foods with high water content during summer.
• Monitor Vulnerable People: Keep an eye on children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses, as they are at a higher risk.

At manipaltrutest.com, we encourage everyone to stay informed about heat-related illnesses and act quickly if symptoms appear. Early diagnosis and medical attention are key to avoiding serious complications.

Heatstroke is dangerous but can be preventedby staying hydrated, dressing appropriately, and avoiding overexposure to heat. . Always be vigil to your body’s signals and seek help if something feels wrong. For more health tips, visit manipaltrutest.com

How a Cholesterol Test Can Help You Prevent Heart Disease

The article will discuss the significance of cholesterol testing and how it can help avoid heart disease, improve body metabolism, treat heart disease, regulate blood pressure, and prevent many other diseases. Following the cholesterol test, the doctor will provide the appropriate guidance. They will contain the appropriate exercise and diet that the patient should adhere to.

What is cholesterol

The kind of lipid present in blood. It is mostly made by the liver and is present in a variety of foods, including dairy, meat, and eggs. It is essential to the body because it aids in the formation of cell membranes, hormone production, and easy food digestion. As a result, it is crucial, but occasionally, too much cholesterol can be bad for your health. 

• The body contains two types of cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which lowers heart-related disease and keeps plaque from accumulating in the arteries. 
• Low-Density Bad cholesterol is lipoprotein cholesterol. It aids in the elimination of excess cholesterol. The presence of LDL cholesterol hardens the arteries, which eventually causes obstruction and increases heart-related disorders. 
• This test includes triglycerides, another type of blood fat. The risk of heart-related disorders is also increased by high HDL and LDL levels. 

Importance of Cholesterol Test

The cholesterol test provides a comprehensive view of the cholesterol level, which makes it extremely significant. A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for good health if cholesterol levels are rising. It will identify possible risks early on. In addition to offering appropriate advice, the medical professionals will first check cholesterol levels and then prescribe medication to assist avoid heart disease.

Why Is a Cholesterol Test Important?

To provide an extensive overview of your heart health, a cholesterol test evaluates these various cholesterol components. The test is essential for identifying possible hazards early because many people with high cholesterol don't exhibit any symptoms. The physician can collaborate to make choices that lower your risk of heart disease by being aware of your cholesterol levels.

The cholesterol test helps in heart disease prevention. 

• Early detection of excessive cholesterol can be beneficial in a number of ways, including the prevention of heart-related diseases and easy diagnosis. 
• The measurements of HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol will be the first things the doctor wants to see. The doctor will prescribe medicine if the lDl is high since it increases the risk of heat stroke and attack. 
• A person's lifestyle should change; for example, frequent exercise and a healthy diet that lowers cholesterol are both necessary. As a result, they must alter their lifestyle. 

Conclusion

The article above leads one to the conclusion that the cholesterol test is crucial for overall health. Early illness prevention can be achieved through early detection. In order to help diagnose and reduce the risk of heart-related disease, the doctor will provide accurate information about the patient's cholesterol level as well as appropriate medicine. With the right diet and exercise, many heat-related illnesses will decrease. As a result, cholesterol testing is crucial for disease prevention.