A heart attack is a condition where the flow of oxygenated blood to the heart muscle is significantly reduced or blocked. This is caused by the formation of plaque that consists of fat, cholesterol and other substances within the coronary arteries. This is called atherosclerosis. A blood clot formed after a rupture in the inner lining of a heart artery can cut off blood flow. It can kill part of the heart muscle once it stops all blood flow to a section of the heart muscle. The more damage the longer the artery is blocked. Once heart muscle dies in certain areas, permanent damage to the heart occurs. The extent of the area supplied by the blocked artery and the time elapsed between injury and treatment will determine the amount of damage to the heart muscle. The blocked artery must be opened as soon as possible to minimize damage to your heart.
What are the symptoms or warning signs?
Atherosclerosis develops slowly over time. In most cases, it doesn't have noticeable symptoms until enough damage reduces blood flow to your heart muscle. This means you usually can't feel when it's happening until blood flow to the heart muscle is cut off. Be aware of the warning signs of a heart attack so you can call for help as soon as possible, for yourself or someone else. Most heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most of the time they start gradually with mild pain or discomfort. A heart attack may feel like: • tightness, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that has lasted more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back • pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw, or abdomen • shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort. • Other symptoms that may develop include cold clammy sweats and nausea or dizziness.
What happens after a heart attack?
You may be in the hospital for only a few days, depending on the severity of your heart attack and the treatment you receive. Once you're home, your heart muscle will continue healing. Recovery is just the beginning, though. Continue to follow your healthcare professional's advice about your weight, diet, physical activity, medications, and all other lifestyle changes. You're then more likely to recover from a heart attack and have fewer subsequent attacks. If you're eligible, your healthcare professional will refer you to a cardiac rehabilitation program available in your area. Rehab is a medically supervised program designed to help you reach your maximum fitness. It has three components: • Exercise counseling and training • Education for heart-healthy living • Counseling to reduce stress
How can I reduce my chances of having a heart attack?
Yes, even with heart disease, many things you do can help improve your heart health. Become a member of your health care team to manage your risk factors. Here's what you can do: Never smoke or use e-cigarettes or other tobacco products and stay away from secondhand smoke. If you believe your blood pressure is too high, work to control it with lifestyle changes and/or medication as recommended by your health care professional. Eat a diet that is low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugars; "heart healthy". Increase your physical activity throughout the day. Adults get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity. • Maintain a healthy weight. • Monitor blood sugar if you have diabetes. • Get an adequate amount of sleep at night, between 7-9 hours. • Being aware of the level of stress you are under. • Regular visits to your family physician. • Keeping track of the number of medications you take and the dosage prescribed by your pharmacist.
