The human body operates on a natural circadian rhythm, regulating heart rate, blood pressure, and hormone levels throughout 24 hours. At night, blood pressure typically decreases. Factors such as stress, sleep disorders, and undiagnosed conditions can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Below are warning signs of a heart attack that can easily occur at midnight.

Chest pain or discomfort

A typical sign of a heart attack is a sensation of tightness, squeezing, or heavy pressure in the center of the chest. This pain can wake a person in the middle of the night, often lasting more than a few minutes or recurring. The discomfort may radiate to the arm (usually the left), neck, jaw, shoulder, or back. Unlike common indigestion, heart attack pain does not subside with changes in position or rest.

Shortness of breath

Sudden shortness of breath can occur, sometimes without accompanying chest pain. You might wake up gasping for air or feel as if your lungs are not getting enough oxygen. This symptom worsens with stress or underlying cardiovascular or pulmonary conditions.

Unusual sweating

Sudden cold sweats, especially while resting or sleeping, can signal a cardiovascular event. Cold, clammy skin accompanied by chest pain or discomfort, dizziness, or shortness of breath requires medical evaluation. However, night sweats alone are not always linked to heart disease, so accompanying symptoms need further assessment.

Nausea, dizziness

Nausea, lightheadedness, or even fainting can occur when the heart does not pump blood effectively. These symptoms, if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or cold sweats, should not be ignored, as they may indicate a heart attack, particularly in women and older adults.

Irregular heartbeat

A fast, fluttering heart rate at rest often signals an underlying heart problem. These episodes, occurring suddenly during sleep or stress, may indicate arrhythmia, abnormal electrical activity, heart failure, a heart attack, or early-stage cardiovascular issues.

While not all heart attacks are preventable, adopting healthy habits can reduce risk. Getting adequate sleep, limiting alcohol, maintaining a balanced diet low in salt, sugar, and saturated fats benefits cardiovascular health. Additionally, regular exercise enhances heart endurance, improves circulation, and helps manage weight. Monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar regularly aids in early detection of risk factors. Managing stress through relaxation methods like meditation or yoga also helps reduce the burden on the cardiovascular system.

Le Nguyen (According to Times of India)