WHAT IS AN HEART ATTACK

A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.

A heart attack is a medical emergency. A heart attack usually occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart. Without blood, tissue loses oxygen and dies.

Symptoms include tightness or pain in the chest, neck, back or arms, as well as fatigue, lightheadedness, abnormal heartbeat and anxiety. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms than men.

Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and cardiac rehabilitation to medication, stents and bypass surgery.

 

 Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the main cause of heart attack. A less common cause is a severe spasm, or sudden contraction, of a coronary artery that can stop blood flow to the heart muscle.

 If a piece of plaque cracks, it may cause a blood clot to form and block a coronary artery, cutting off the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle. This causes a heart attack. The heart attack symptoms you feel during a heart attack are caused by your heart muscle being starved of oxygen.

 Mild heart attack symptoms might only occur for two to five minutes then stop with rest. A full heart attack with complete blockage lasts much longer, sometimes for more than 20 minutes.

 Symptoms of a heart attack that people describe most often include: Chest pain (angina). This can be mild and feel like discomfort or heaviness, or it can be severe and feel like crushing pain.

 Ia “mini” heart attack, blood flow to the heart is partially blocked. Symptoms include chest pain and are similar to those of a heart attack, but there is less damage to the heart. The technical term for a “mini” heart attack is a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)

 Most heart attacks actually involve only mild pain or discomfort in the center of your chest. You may also feel pressure, squeezing, or fullness. These symptoms usually start slowly, and they may go away and come back.

 

Can a heart attack go away?

With urgent treatment, most people will recover from a heart attack and can live fulfilling lives. Making healthful lifestyle choices and following the recommended treatment plan can reduce the risk of experiencing future heart attacks.

 

What are silent heart attacks?

A silent heart attack is a heart attack that has few, if any, symptoms or has symptoms not recognized as a heart attack. A silent heart attack might not cause chest pain or shortness of breath, which are typically associated with a heart attack.

 

What heart rate is heart attack?

While no one particular heart rate qualifies as a heart attack, a rapid heart rate outside 60 to 100 beats per minute should be monitored closely. Doctors cannot say that a particular heart rate qualifies as a heart attack. Your heart rate is not a reliable indicator that you are having a heart attack.

 

Can exercise reduce heart attack?

Being physically active is a major step toward good heart health. It's one of your most effective tools for strengthening the heart muscle, keeping your weight under control and warding off the artery damage from high cholesterol, high blood sugar and high blood pressure that can lead to heart attack or stroke.

 

What foods prevent heart attacks?

The best diet for preventing heart disease is one that is full of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, poultry, and vegetable oils; includes alcohol in moderation, if at all; and goes easy on red and processed meats, refined carbohydrates, foods and beverages with added sugar, sodium, and foods with trans

 

Is heart attack permanent?

Without blood flow, the affected heart muscle will begin to die. If blood flow isn't restored quickly, a heart attack can cause permanent heart damage and death..

 

Does walking decrease heart attack?

Walking for an average of 30 minutes or more a day can lower the risk of heart disease, stroke by 35% percent and Type 2 diabetes by 40%. It's not just your heart and muscles that benefit from walking. Regular physical activity can help: reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

How do I know if my heart is failing?

Chest pain. Fainting or severe weakness. Rapid or irregular heartbeat associated with shortness of breath, chest pain or fainting. Sudden, severe shortness of breath and coughing up white or pink, foamy mucus

 

Can you live with heart damage?

Chronic heart failure is a long-term condition for which there's currently no cure. However, with medication, many people are able to maintain a reasonable quality of life

 

What are 3 signs of a heart attack?

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes – or it may go away and then return. 
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body
• Shortness of breath.
• Other signs.
  

 

How can I make my heart strong?

Seven Ways to Make Your Heart Stronger

1. Eat a well-rounded, balanced diet.
2. Don't sit for too long.
3. Brush your teeth every day – and don't forget to floss.
4. Quit smoking and avoid second hand smoke.
5. Snack smart throughout the day.
6. Get plenty of sleep. .
7. Recognize and reduce stress in your life

 

• How to avoid a heart attack?
  Choose Healthy Habits
• Choose Healthy Foods and Drinks. Choose healthy meals and snacks to help prevent heart disease and its complications.
• Keep a Healthy Weight. People with overweight or obesity have a higher risk for heart disease.
• Get Regular Physical Activity.
• Don't Smoke. 
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