In the United States, heart attacks are the main cause of death. Approximately 735,000 Americans experience a heart attack each year. Every year, over 525,000 individuals die from heart attacks.
That’s 1 out of every 3 deaths from cardiovascular disease. The good thing is that most heart attacks can be prevented if you know what to look for! In this blog post, we will discuss 10 important signs of a heart attack. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical help immediately!
What Is A Heart Attack?
A heart attack is a medical emergency. It occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. This can happen if a coronary artery becomes blocked by a blood clot. Without enough oxygen-rich blood, the heart muscle starts to die.
A heart attack can be fatal if not treated immediately. People with diabetes and those who have had previous heart attacks are more likely to have silent heart attacks.
10 Important Heart Attack Symptoms.
A heart attack is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, it’s important to know the warning signs and symptoms, so you can get help right away.
Chest Pain Or Discomfort
This is the most common symptom of a heart attack. It may feel like squeezing, fullness, pressure, or chest pain.
It can occur in the center of the chest, on the left side, or on the right side. It may also radiate to the jaw, neck, shoulders, arms, or back. It may also feel like indigestion, with pain in your upper abdomen or back.
Pain Or Discomfort In Other Areas Of Your Body
This includes your arms, jaw, neck, back, or stomach.
Shortness Of Breath
This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort.
Sweating
This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort.
Nausea Or Vomiting
These symptoms may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort.
Lightheadedness, Dizziness, Or Fainting
These symptoms may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort.
Unusual Or Unexplained Fatigue
This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort.
Palpitations, Or A Pounding Or Racing Heart
These are sensations of the heart racing or pounding. They may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort.
Anxiety
This may occur with or without chest pain or discomfort.
Dyspnea
This is shortness of breath that occurs with activity or exertion. It may also occur at rest.
Causes Of A Heart Attack
A heart attack can be caused by a variety of factors, the most frequent of which is coronary artery disease. This occurs when plaque builds up in the arteries that feed blood to your heart, narrowing or blocking them. Other causes include:
- A family history of heart disease
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Stressful lifestyle
Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Prevent A Heart Attack
Heart attacks are serious business, but fortunately, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Some lifestyle changes that can help prevent a heart attack include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Quitting smoking
- Managing stress levels
If you have any other risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, be sure to work closely with your doctor to manage those conditions. Taking these steps can help you keep your heart healthy and reduce your risk of having a heart attack.
Treating A Heart Attack
If you think you are having a heart attack, call 911 right away and get to a hospital emergency room immediately. Time is critical! During a heart attack, every minute counts. The sooner you get medical treatment, the better your chances are of surviving and minimizing damage to your heart muscle.
There are several treatments for a heart attack:
- Oxygen therapy
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- An electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) to check for heart damage
- Medications to break up blood clots
- Coronary angioplasty (PCA) or coronary artery bypass surgery
Conclusion
If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition, it is important to follow your treatment plan. This may include taking medications as prescribed, making lifestyle changes, and getting regular medical checkups. Taking these steps can help reduce your risk of having another heart attack.
If you think someone is having a heart attack, call Emergency Medical Services (911). Every minute counts during a heart attack.