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What is a heart attack? The heart pumps blood and oxygen throughout the body, but it also depends on a supply of blood and oxygen to do its work. A heart attack happens when one of the arteries that brings blood to the heart muscle is blocked. A portion of the heart muscle is damaged or dies due to inadequate blood flow.
Use the links below to learn more about the signs, symptoms, treatment and prevention for heart attack.
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Call 9-1-1 immediately. Immediate medical care may keep the heart from stopping and may help minimize damage to the heart muscle.
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Keep the victim calm. Reassure the victim to keep him/her calm, so the heart uses less oxygen. Loosen any clothing that may restrict breathing, such as a tie, collar or belt. Help the victim get into a relaxed sitting position, with the legs up and bent at the knees, to ease strain on the heart.
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Give the victim either a baby aspirin or an adult aspirin to chew. Aspirin is a mild anticoagulant. Heart attack is caused by a clot in the coronary arteries. Aspirin that is chewed will be immediately absorbed into the blood and can go to work dissolving the clot.
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Monitor the victim. Perform CPR if necessary.
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Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, tightness, heaviness or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes
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Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, arms or jaw
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Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath
Less common warning signs of heart attack are:
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Stomach or abdominal pain; indigestion-like discomfort in the chest, especially with activity
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Nausea or dizziness
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Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
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Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue
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Palpitations, cold sweat or paleness
For women, heart attack symptoms may be different and are more likely to include:
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Shortness of breath
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Nausea and/or vomiting
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Back or jaw pain
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Sleeplessness
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Unusual fatigue
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Indigestion usually is accompanied by burping, belching, heartburn, nausea and a sour taste in the mouth
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A panic attack usually is accompanied by heart palpitations, shortness of breath and anxiety
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Chest-wall or muscle pain from exercise or injury can be made worse when the sore area is pressed with a finger
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The breathing pain of respiratory infections can often be made worse by coughing and deep breathing.
It is important to know that any of these symptoms can also be present with a heart attack. Do not assume that you are just having indigestion or a panic attack. Get medical help right away.
What do I do if I have a heart attack? If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 and get to the hospital as quickly as possible. Do not drive yourself. Chew either a baby aspirin or an adult aspirin. Aspirin is a mild anticoagulant. Heart attack is caused by a clot in the coronary arteries. Aspirin that is chewed will be immediately absorbed into the blood and can go to work dissolving the clot.
Don't be afraid to call 9-1-1, even if you're not sure you are having a heart attack. If you don't know the cause of your symptoms, assume it's a heart attack. Play it safe and get medical help.
How will I be treated for a heart attack? Anyone who has signs of a heart attack should call 9-1-1 immediately. Someone who passes out before reaching the emergency room should receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The sooner you receive medical attention, the sooner blood flow can be restored to the heart muscle and decrease disability after a heart attack. Your doctor may choose to treat you with any of the following:
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Thrombolytic Therapy, which involves injecting a clot-dissolving agent to dissolve a clot in a coronary artery and restore blood flow. For best effect, these drugs must be used within a few (usually three) hours of a heart attack
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Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), often called balloon angioplasty or stenting, is the first treatment of choice for a type of heart attack known as ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), which occurs when one of the coronary arteries is completely blocked
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Surgical revascularization, also called coronary artery bypass graft surgery, may improve the blood supply to the heart muscle when several coronary arteries have significant blockages that hinder blood flow
How can I prevent a second heart attack? Most Americans survive a first heart attack but are at increased risk for another one. By taking action, however, they can significantly reduce their chances for a second heart attack.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following actions to reduce your risk for a second heart attack:
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Quit smoking
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Eat a heart-healthy diet
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Control your cholesterol
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Exercise regularly
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Maintain a healthy weight
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Control high blood pressure
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Assess your mental health and reduce your stress
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Take your medications as directed
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Heart attack fast facts
What is it? A heart attack happens when one of the arteries that brings blood to the heart muscle is blocked. A portion of the heart muscle is damaged or dies due to inadequate blood flow
What are the symptoms?
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Crushing, squeezing, burning feeling in the chest
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Feeling of pressure in the chest
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Chest pain that spreads to the jaw, arms, neck or back
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Chest pain not relieved by rest or prescribed medication
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Chest pain lasting longer than 15 minutes
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Nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, sweating
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Chest pain while resting or that wakes you from sleep
What is the treatment?
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Thrombolysis
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Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
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Surgical revascularization, also called coronary artery bypass graft surgery |
