What You Should Know About Heart Attacks

What You Should Know About Heart Attacks

By Mercyhealth Staff

When the coronary arteries are unable to deliver blood to the heart muscle for a prolonged period of time, a heart attack can occur.

A heart attack means that the heart muscle cells have been without oxygen long enough that the cells begin to die. It often means that permanent damage has occurred to the heart muscle.

Persons suffering from a heart attack may be able to prevent permanent damage if their treatment is started very early.

Heart attacks occur most often from blockages or plaque build-up in the coronary arteries that prevent oxygen from getting to heart muscle cells.

The plaque may build up until the coronary artery is completely closed, or the plaque may allow for blood clots to form which block the artery.

Heart attacks can also occur from a coronary artery spasm.

Heart attack warning signs include:

• Chest discomfort: Pain, pressure or a crushing feeling in the middle of the chest

• Can last more than a few minutes or go away and come back

• Burning sensation, like indigestion, that does not go away

• Discomfort can also be felt in the arm, neck, jaw and upper back

• Shortness of breath

• Light-headedness

• Dizziness

• Breaking out into a cold sweat

• Nausea or vomiting

• Back pain

Sometimes women experience shortness of breath, nausea, back and/or jaw pain or fatigue.

Treatment must happen fast. If you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 911 for assistance immediately. Don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital or wait for a doctor’s appointment.

Some risk factors for heart attack, such as age or heredity, are out of our control. Others can be managed with medication and/or lifestyle changes, such as treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes.

Managing weight, quitting smoking, reducing stress and using alcohol only in moderation can reduce the risk of heart attack.

Eating a healthful diet and getting regular exercise are two of the best ways to fight cardiovascular disease.

Learn more at Mercyhealth.org. ❚