What Is A Heart Attack?
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is a medical emergency in which
the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly and severely reduced or cut
off, causing the muscle to die from lack of oxygen.
Symptoms
Common heart attack symptoms include:
- Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your
chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
- Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back
or jaw pain
Causes and Risk Factors
Certain factors contribute to the unwanted buildup of fatty deposits that
narrows arteries throughout your body, including arteries to your heart.
You can improve or eliminate many of these risk factors to reduce your
chances of having a first or subsequent heart attack by controlling these
following risk factors:
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Family history
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity
- Stress
- Illegal drug use, such as, cocaine
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a heart attack is based on symptoms, diagnostic tests,
including labs.
Treatment
Treatment may include medications, coronary interventions or surgery.
Prevention
It's never too late to take steps to prevent a heart attack - even
if you've already had one. Taking medications can reduce your risk
of a subsequent heart attack and help your damaged heart function better.
Lifestyle factors also play a critical role in heart attack prevention
and recovery. Such as:
- Not smoking
- Controlling certain conditions, like, high blood pressure, high cholesterol
and diabetes
- Staying physically active
- Eating healthy food
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reducing and managing stress
Cardiovascular Research
Saving Lives through Cardiac Research
Patient Story
Gina Simpson, Heart Disease