What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a section of the heart muscle is blocked, often due to a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. This restricts oxygen supply to the heart, causing damage or death to the heart tissue.
Why Do Heart Attacks Happen?
The most common cause of heart attacks is coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition where the arteries become narrowed due to cholesterol deposits (atherosclerosis).
Types of Heart Attacks:
- ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): A severe heart attack where a major artery is completely blocked.
- Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI): A partial blockage that still causes heart damage.
- Silent Heart Attack: Occurs without noticeable symptoms and is often discovered later through tests.
Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Recognizing the early warning signs of a heart attack is crucial for timely medical intervention.
Primary Symptoms:
- Chest Pain or Discomfort: Pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest that lasts more than a few minutes.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing even at rest.
- Pain spreading to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Cold sweat, nausea, or dizziness.
- Extreme fatigue or weakness.
Symptoms in Women:
Women may experience more subtle symptoms such as:
- Unusual fatigue
- Jaw pain
- Lightheadedness
- Heartburn-like pain
Important: If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
What to Do in an Emergency?
Taking quick action can save a life. If you suspect a heart attack:
- Call 911 Immediately: Do not wait or attempt to drive yourself to the hospital.
- Chew Aspirin: A 325mg aspirin helps thin the blood and improve circulation.
- Stay Calm & Rest: Reduce strain on the heart by staying still.
- Perform CPR (if necessary): If the person becomes unresponsive, start CPR immediately.
Heart Attack Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to heart attack risk, some of which can be controlled while others cannot.
1. Modifiable Risk Factors (Things You Can Control)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol levels
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity and poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Chronic stress
2. Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (Things You Cannot Change)
- Age (higher risk after age 45 for men, 55 for women)
- Family history of heart disease
- Ethnicity (African Americans, Hispanics, and South Asians have a higher risk)
- Previous history of heart attacks
How to Prevent a Heart Attack
Making heart-healthy lifestyle choices can significantly reduce your risk of a heart attack.
1. Follow a Heart-Healthy Diet
- Eat whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Limit saturated and trans fats, processed foods, and sugar.
- Increase intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
2. Exercise Regularly
- Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
- Include strength training and cardiovascular activities.
3. Manage Stress Effectively
- Practice meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
- Engage in activities that bring joy and relaxation.
4. Quit Smoking and Reduce Alcohol Intake
- Smoking doubles the risk of heart disease.
- Limit alcohol to one drink per day for women, two for men.
5. Monitor Your Health Regularly
- Check blood pressure and cholesterol levels regularly.
- Manage diabetes and other conditions that increase heart risk.
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