Can a heart attack be detected early? According to the Mayo Clinic, yes, it can. While some heart attacks strike suddenly, “many people have warning signs and symptoms hours, days or weeks in advance. Chest pain or pressure (angina) that keeps happening and doesn't go away with rest may be an early warning sign.”
In one of his latest videos, popular TikToker Dr. Kilimanguru tackles the importance of early detection of heart attack. Yes, he’s a real medical doctor who’s based in Baguio City and his real name is Dr. Winston Kilimanjaro Creones Tiwaquen. As of this writing, he has amassed 4.3 million followers on TikTok and 3.3 million on Facebook.
Only 26 years old, Dr. Kilimanguru is friendly, relatable and funny. He has earned the trust of his millions of followers because he answers common questions on medical issues in understandable language and on accessible social media platforms. (He also loves saying “Char” in between medical advice.)
Dr. Kilimanguru has discussed health-related issues ranging from gallstones to treating burns, being sexually active, appendicitis, anemia, overloading on sugar, and other medical conditions brought about by poor lifestyle choices.
Dr. Kilimanguru recently partnered with FWD Life Insurance and tackled the issue of early detection of heart attack and why it’s important to get tests rather than wait for it to happen. “What does it mean when you get a sudden sharp pain on the left side of the chest, when the pain is concentrated on that area and lasts anywhere from 30 seconds to 30 minutes?” he says in Taglish. “Dapat ka bang mag worry? Can this lead to a heart attack?”
Dr. Kilimanguru says, yes, it could be a heart attack or it could also simply be “precordial catch syndrome.” This occurs when nerves in front of the chest are aggravated. It is not a medical emergency and neither does it require treatment.
He continues that precordial catch syndrome happens when a person is stressed or anxious. It may also be caused by poor posture or when you’ve been sitting for long periods. “It’s not yet clear what causes it, but it’s possible na may naiipit na nerve or may nanigas na muscle sa dibdib. Precordial catch syndrome doesn’t need treatment—but what if this was a sign of a heart attack? Because the symptoms of both are similar, you have to be sure it’s not a heart attack.”
When people feel such chest pains, their first reaction is, “Gastos na naman! Pero mas malaking gastos if you don’t have it checked,” he says. “Have it checked right away para mabigyan ng lunas at hindi lumala just in case.”
Some common heart attack symptoms are chest pain that feels like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching. The pain or discomfort spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or sometimes the upper belly. You may also feel cold sweat, fatigue, heartburn, indigestion, dizziness, nausea or shortness of breath.
Getting an insurance plan costs less in the long run
Dr. Kilimanguru emphasizes, “Mahal magkasakit! Kaya ito ang payo ko sa ‘yo: Get an insurance plan. There’s an insurance product that, when I heard about it, I said, ‘Aba complete protection na!’ Sa pangalan pa lang, FWD Vibrant, alam mong less worries and more happy ang life.”
He continues that FWD Vibrant Critical Illness Insurance is the only insurance for critical illness that he knows which gives money for medical tests or exams to help the insurance owner monitor his health even before he gets sick.
“Usually ‘pag insurance di ba magkakasakit ka muna bago ka bigyan? With FWD Vibrant, may pera din binibigay na pambili ng gamot bukod sa makukuha mong cash benefit ‘pag na-diagnose ka with a critical illness. Complete protection talaga. Protected ka ulit just in case you get sick again kasi up to six times ang claim for major critical illnesses.”
FWD Vibrant also protects you from minor critical illnesses, but not only that—if you never make a major critical illness claim, FWD will give you 100% of the benefit amount when you reach age 100 to celebrate the milestone on your policy anniversary. If you pass away before then without having made a major critical illness claim, FWD will give your beneficiary 100% of the benefit amount.
Dr. Kilimanguru adds, “Galing no? Impressed ako sa complete product na ito. With FWD Vibrant, ready ka just in case magkasakit ka. Ang gagawin mo na lang ay mag focus in taking care of your health so you can stay happy, healthy, and vibrant.”
He concludes with a smile, “FWD Life Insurance, take my money! Gusto ko rin maging vibrant ang buhay ko. Yung mas vibrant pa sa mukha ko. Char! Visit fwd.com.ph today. Ligtas ang may alam!”
Follow the doctor’s orders and consult an FWD financial advisor to find out more about FWD Vibrant Critical Illness Insurance by clicking here.