Heart attacks are a medical emergency that require immediate treatment, according to the NHS. It’s caused by a sudden blockage in the blood supply to the heart, which may be life-threatening. If you have a heart attack, you should dial 999 straight away, and ask for an ambulance. You could be at risk of a heart attack if you’re often feeling constipated, it’s been revealed. Related articles Heart attack - why you should never ignore this colour on your lips Heart attack: Hidden signs when you stretch revealed If you're having a bowel movement only once every four days, you're probably bearing down and straining Harvard Medical School Constipation could be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease, according to Harvard Medical School. If you’re feeling constipated, you’re more likely to strain while using the toilet, which could raise blood pressure, it said. Having high blood pressure increases your risk of coronary heart disease. A heart attack is a symptom of heart disease. “About one in five adults copes with a more chronic form of constipation, which is commonly defined as hard, dry, and small bowel movements that are painful or difficult to pass,” said Harvard Medical School. “If you're having a bowel movement only once every four days, you're probably [although not necessarily] bearing down and straining. “A sudden increase in blood pressure in the brain could increase the risk of stroke. Heart attack symptoms: Signs of heart disease include constipation - how many times should you poo? (Image: GETTY Images) “On average, most people move their bowels about once a day. But there's actually a wide range of what's considered normal, from three times a day to once every three days. “How often you go is less important than the consistency of your stools and how much effort you need to get them out.” Constipation is relatively common, and affects people of all ages, said the NHS. You could be feeling constipated if you haven’t had a poo at least three times in a single week. If you do have constipation, you can make your poo softer - meaning you’re less likely to strain - by drinking more fluids, or increasing the amount of fibre in your diet. Related articles Heart attack - 55p ‘superfood’ to lower heart attack risk Heart attack: Five foods to ward off life-threatening condition Heart attack symptoms: Chest pain could be a warning sign of a heart attack (Image: GETTY Images) Early warning signs of a heart attackMon, August 29, 2016 Although chest pain is often severe, sometimes people only suffer minor pain, similar to indigestion. Here are some of the early warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack. 1 of 9 One of the most common signs of a heart attack is chest pain, said the NHS. It may feel like there’s a tightness or squeezing in the middle of the chest. Other common heart attack symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, sweating, and feeling lightheaded. If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, you should call 999 straight away, urged the NHS. But you could lower your risk of a heart attack by quitting smoking, if you’re a smoker, or by doing regular exercise. Everyone should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week.All rights reserved for this news site express.co.uk and under his responsibility