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Heart Attack

 

A Heart Attack is a medical emergency in which the supply of blood to the heart becomes blocked,often by a build-up of fat, cholesterol and other substances, which form a plaque in the arteries that feed the heart.

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Symptoms

  • Common  heart attack signs and symptoms include

  • Chest discomfort, pressure, or a squeezing sensation of the chest

  • Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, back, or jaw

  • Cold sweating

  • Nausea, Heartburn or Indigestion

  • Shortness of breath

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Causes

A heart attack occurs when  the coronary arteries becomes blocked. This is caused by the gradual process by which plaques (collections) of cholesterol are deposited in the walls of arteries thereby narrowing the inner channel of the artery and completely blocking the flow of blood through the coronary artery a condition called atherosclerosis.

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Major risk factors

Certain factors contribute to the unwanted build-up of fatty deposits (atherosclerosis) that narrows arteries throughout your body. You can improve or eliminate most of these risk factors to reduce your chances of having a first or subsequent heart attack.

  • High blood pressure

  • High blood cholesterol

  • Smoking and long-term exposure to secondhand smoke increase the risk of a heart attack

  • Diabetes increases your risk of a heart attack

  • Lack of physical activity.

  • Responding to stress in ways that can increase your risk of a heart attack.

  • Illegal drug use.

Prevention

The best way of preventing a heart attack to have a healthy lifestyle. Measures for healthy living include the following.

  • Don't smoke

  • Eating a balanced, healthful diet

  • Exercise regularly

  • Avoid stress where possible

  • Keeping diabetes under control

  • Keeping alcohol intake down

  • Getting plenty of good quality sleep

  • Maintaining blood cholesterol at optimum levels

  • Maintaining a healthy bodyweight

  • Keeping blood pressure at a safe level.

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Treatment 

Heart disease treatments vary by condition. For instance, if you have a heart infection, you'll likely be given antibiotics. In general, treatment for heart disease usually includes:

  • Lifestyle changes.

  • Medications. 

  • Medical procedures or surgery. 

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Culled from Staywellworld blog post dated March 12, 2018.

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To learn more, click on 

https://www.staywellworld.org/single-post/2018/03/12/WHAT-IS-HEART-ATTACK

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