What is a Heart Attack?

Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the United States.  That’s one of the reasons why it is so important to be informed and to know the risk factors and warning signs. Responding quickly to the symptoms of a heart attack can help save your life or the life of someone you love.

What is a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries become blocked. As a result, blood supply to the heart is interrupted.

Can I prevent a heart attack?
Lifestyle factors play a critical role in the health of your heart. Take the following steps to decrease your likelihood of a heart attack.

• Don’t smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight, and eat a healthy diet.
• Get regular medical checkups.
• Check your cholesterol, and control your blood pressure.
• Exercise regularly.
• Know your limits. While physical activity is good for your heart, don’t overdo it.  Activities such as shoveling snow, which causes a quick increase in blood pressure and heart rate, can lead to a heart attack because of the sudden physical demands on the body.

What are the warning signs?

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the middle of the chest that lasts for longer than a few minutes. This pain may feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing or fullness and is often mistaken for indigestion.
• Upper body discomfort. Symptoms of a heart attack often include discomfort in the jaw, stomach, back and arms.
• Shortness of breath. Shortness of breath can occur with or without chest discomfort.
• Other symptoms. Lightheadedness, fainting, anxiety, nausea and breaking out in a cold sweat can all be indicators of a heart attack.

Not everyone experiences the same symptoms, but the more symptoms you have, the more likely it is that you are having a heart attack.

How should I respond to my symptoms?
Sometimes, the warning signs of a heart attack happen quickly, but they can also develop slowly and sporadically, over a number of hours, days or even weeks. Once you recognize these symptoms, act fast! Call 9-1-1 immediately for medical help.