Former Scottish First Minister died following a suspected heart attack on Saturday afternoon, shortly after giving a speech in North Macedonia. The politician, and leader of the Alba party, collapsed and died hours after speaking at the Institute for Cultural Diplomacy Forum in Ohrid.
A source told the Sunday Mail that he was thought to have suffered a suspected heart attack.This is a medical emergency, occurring when blood flow to the heart is abruptly blocked, often by a clot.
While chest pain is widely recognised as a key symptom, there’s a lesser-known sign that is just as important to be aware of. The NHS warns that an overwhelming sense of anxiety, similar to a panic attack, might signal a heart issue.
This sensation can be confusing, especially for those accustomed to anxiety and panic attacks, who may struggle to differentiate the cause, sometimes and quite rightly, leading to urgent 999 calls. For individuals unfamiliar with panic attacks, recognising this sudden anxiety as a potential heart attack indicator is crucial and it should never be dismissed as ‘it’s probably just stress’.
The NHS add that even jaw pain can be a sign. They explain: “While the most common symptom is chest pain, symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may have other symptoms such as shortness of breath, feeling or being sick and back or jaw pain without any chest pain.”
With autumn here and winter on it’s way, it’s also worth noting that Dr Xand van Tulleken, a resident doctor on BBC Morning Live, said that the drop in temperatures at this time of year means the risk of a heart attack increases.
He explains: “As the weather gets colder, you move blood away from your skin. Your blood also thickens, your blood gets a little bit stickier, your blood pressure goes up and of course viruses and things going around like flu can put a big strain on your system. So that’s why we see more heart attacks and strokes in the winter.”
He strongly encourages individuals to stay warm by ensuring their homes are heated to at least 18C, wearing appropriate clothing indoors and outdoors, and getting vaccinated against the flu.
Symptoms of a heart attack
According to the NHS symptoms of a heart attack can include:
- chest pain – a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across your chest
- pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy
- feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- sweating
- shortness of breath
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- an overwhelming feeling of anxiety (similar to a panic attack)
- coughing or wheezing
The chest pain is often severe, but some people may only experience minor pain, similar to indigestion.
While the most common symptom is chest pain, symptoms can vary from person to person. Some people may have other symptoms such as shortness of breath, feeling or being sick and back or jaw pain without any chest pain.
Call 999 immediately if you think someone might be having a heart attack. The faster you act, the better their chances.