What is a Heart Attack?
Information about what a heart attack is, the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and the risk factors.
More than a million people in the United States each year have a heart attack and about half of them die. Approximately one-half of those who die do so within one hour of the start of the symptoms and before reaching the hospital. A heart attack occurs when the supply of blood and oxygen to an area of heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot in a coronary artery. Often, this blockage leads to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat or rhythm) that cause a severe decrease in the pumping function of the heart and may bring about sudden death. If the blockage is not treated within a few hours, the affected heart muscle will die and be replaced by scar tissue.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Signs and symptoms vary from person to person and some people do not have any symptoms at all. If you notice any symptoms contact your doctor right away. Do not put off calling 9-1-1 because you are not sure if you are having a heart attack. Go right away!
Chest Discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. Heart attack pain can sometimes feel like indigestion or heartburn.
Discomfort in Other Areas of the Upper Body: Can include pain, discomfort, or numbness in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Shortness of Breath: Often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort.
Other Symptoms: May include breaking out in a cold sweat, having nausea and vomiting, or feeling light-headed or dizzy.
Risk Factors for a Heart Attack
Specific risk factors make it more likely that you will develop CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) and have a heart attack.
Risk Factors:
- Age (men over 45, women over 55)
- Family History of Early Heart Disease (father or brother before 55/mother or sister before 65)
- Personal History of CAD (angina, previous heart attack, surgical procedure such as angioplasty or heart bypass)
- Smoking
- High Blood Pressure
- High Blood Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Physically Inactive
- Diabetes
Information gathered 10-22-04.