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Key Points
- A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a
section of heart muscle becomes blocked. If the flow of blood isn’t
restored quickly, the section of heart muscle becomes damaged from lack of
oxygen and begins to die.
- Heart attack is a leading killer of both men and
women in the United States.
- Today there are excellent treatments for heart
attack that can save lives and prevent disabilities. Treatment is most
effective when started within 1 hour of the beginning of symptoms.
- Unfortunately, many heart attack victims wait 2
hours or more after their symptoms begin before they seek medical help. This
delay can result in lasting heart damage or death.
- If you think you or someone with you is having a
heart attack, call 9–1–1 right away.
- Heart attacks occur most often as a result of a
condition called
coronary
artery disease (CAD).
- Heart attack also can be caused by a condition
called microvascular disease, which involves the microscopic blood vessels of
the heart. Less commonly, a spasm (tightening) of a coronary artery can cause a
heart attack.
- Certain risk factors increase the changes of
developing CAD and having a heart attack (for example, age, a family history of
CAD, smoking, and being
overweight
or obese). Some risk factors can’t be controlled, while others can.
- The warning signs of heart attack aren’t
the same for everyone. However, common signs and symptoms of a heart attack
are:
- Chest discomfort or painuncomfortable
pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or the chest that can be
mild or strong. This discomfort or pain lasts more than a few minutes or goes
away and comes back.
- Upper body discomfort in one or both arms,
the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Shortness of breath may occur with or before
chest discomfort.
- Other signs include nausea (feeling sick to
your stomach), vomiting, lightheadedness or fainting, or breaking out in a cold
sweat.
- Treatments for heart attack include medicines and
procedures to open blocked arteries (such as
angioplasty).
- Lowering your risk for CAD can decrease your
chances of having a heart attack (or second heart attack). This usually
involves making healthy lifestyle choices and treating conditions related to
CAD such as
high
cholesterol,
high
blood pressure, overweight and obesity, and diabetes.
- Most people are able to return to their normal
activities after a heart attack. Ask your doctor when you can resume daily
activities such as driving, exercise, work, sexual activity, strenuous
activities (for example, running or heavy lifting), and travel.
- Many people survive heart attacks and live active
and full lives.
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Life After Links
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