We’ve all seen it in the movies: a heart attack victim gives the camera a panicked glance, grabs feverishly at their chest, then finally falls, dramatically, to the ground.
But is that how a heart attack usually happens? Do they really come out of nowhere, without any warning at all? And while we’re asking questions, what really is a heart attack anyway?
Nearly one in five heart attacks are “silent.” That means it occurs and does damage but is completely undetected by the victim. And while some heart attacks do occur suddenly and are potentially deadly, most occur gradually with slight discomfort or mild pain.
What Happens During a Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough blood and is unable to function properly. Without adequate blood flow, damage to the tissue of the heart muscle occurs. The longer the heart muscles go without oxygen, the more damage there is. Without a supply of blood, the heart will stop pumping, and go into cardiac arrest. When the heart stops pumping, oxygen-rich blood is unable to reach the brain and other organs which can be deadly.
Here’s how to recognize if you’re having a heart attack:
- The pain or discomfort is typically felt in the center of the chest and lasts for a few minutes.
- The feeling may resemble an uncomfortable pressure, feeling of fullness, a tight squeezing, or sharp pain. This feeling may go away for a bit and then return later.
- You may also experience discomfort or pain in the back, jaw, neck, stomach or one or both arms.
- Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, a cold sweat, lightheadedness, or nausea.
What Causes a Heart Attack?
The number one cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease, which is caused by the build-up of cholesterol plaque over time.
This causes a narrowing of the arteries that supply the heart muscles with blood. Other causes include misusing stimulant drugs like cocaine or methamphetamines, and hypoxia, a drop in the oxygen in the blood that can occur at extreme altitudes or through carbon monoxide poisoning.
Lifestyle can also play a large role in increasing the chance of a heart attack. The three key risk factors that increase your odds of having a heart attack include:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Elevated cholesterol
It is estimated that 50% of all Americans live with at least one of these risks. (What about you?)
Additional factors may include a family history of heart disease, diabetes, having a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight or obese, eating an unhealthy diet, or excessive alcohol consumption.
Yes, You Can Reduce Your Risk!
While some risk factors, such as a family history or heart disease cannot be changed, there are many things that you can do today to reduce your risk of having a heart attack.
These include eating a healthier diet low in sodium and fat, increasing your daily of physical exercise, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking.
For those who require immediate attention, there are medications that can be prescribed to combat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat and help to minimize other risk factors of coronary artery disease. If an individual shows signs of coronary artery disease, there are surgical procedures we can perform that will help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of heart attack.
Concerned about your heart health, or of someone you love? Make an appointment with a physician today to discuss your questions and concerns and find out what you can do to help reduce your risk.
Think Someone is Having a Heart Attack?
Call 911 immediately. The sooner a patient can begin receiving treatment, the less damage will be done to the heart muscle. Oftentimes, treatment can begin in the ambulance, before the individual even reaches the hospital.
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