MORE than half of all heart attacks will begin with no warning.
But thankfully, there are some early warning signs – some of which can be spotted in the bedroom.
tThe penis is often a “barometer of men’s cardiovascular health”, one doctor saysGetty Images
Half of all men between 40 and 70 will experience erectile dysfunction (ED).
And while the bedroom blunder doesn’t cause heart disease, the two are intrinsically linked.
Countless studies have shown that men with ED are significantly more likely to develop heart disease and have a heart attack or stroke.
In fact, one German study from 2010 found men with erectile dysfunction are twice as likely to die within the next two years as those without.
According to GP and TV medic, Dr Hilary Jones, the penis is often a “barometer of men’s cardiovascular health”.
“This is why it’s always important to investigate the cause of ED,” he previously told Sun Health.
If a man’s arteries become blocked with the fatty substance cholesterol – because of smoking, bad diet or a lack of excerise – it will affect the vessels al over his body, not just the heart.
The vessels found in the penis are especially small, which means they become blocked faster than vessels in othe parts of the body.
When blood flow to the penis is blocked, erections become more difficult to get and maintain.
If the blood flow is limited here, it is highly likely that it is also be weak in arteries supplying the heart, which raises the risk of a heart attack.
Some studies suggest that women with heart disease may also suffer problems in between the sheets.
This is because the clitoris, much like the penis, relies a lot on blood flow for successful orgasms.
The 9 heart attack symptoms to know
Heart attacks happen when the supply of the blood to the heart is suddenly blocked.
It is a serious medical emergency and needs to be treated as soon as possible.
Typically, heart attacks trigger symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath.
David Newby, Professor of Cardiology at the British Heart Foundation’s Centre of Research Excellence at the University of Edinburgh, said: “It’s usually described as a heaviness, tightness or pressure in the chest.
“People will often describe it as ‘an elephant sat on my chest’ or ‘it felt like a tight band around my chest,’ that sort of constricting feeling.”
But experts suggest some people may also experience:
Pain in the neck, jaw, back, arms or stomach
Feeling sick
Vomiting
Sweating
Lightheadedness
Sudden feeling of anxiety or panic
Excessive coughing or sneezing
Wheezing
Indigestion
Symptoms can come on suddenly, or they can persist slowly over several days.
If you think you are having a heart attack, you must dial 999 for an ambulance.
Whats the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest?
A heart attack is not the same as a cardiac arrest.
A heart attack is when one of the coronary arteries becomes blocked.
The heart muscle is robbed of its vital blood supply and, if left untreated, will begin to die because it is not getting enough oxygen.
A cardiac arrest is when a person’s heart stops pumping blood around their body and they stop breathing normally.
Many cardiac arrests in adults happen because of a heart attack.
This is because a person who is having a heart attack may develop a dangerous heart rhythm, which can cause a cardiac arrest.
A heart attack and a cardiac arrest are both emergency situations. If you think either are happening, call 999 straight away.