Heart attack

The heart itself gets oxygen and nutrients through blood vessels called the coronary arteries. When the blood fl ow to the heart is cut off, the decrease in the supply of oxygen and nutrients can cause lasting damage to this vital organ. When the blockage is sudden, it is called a heart attack. If the blockage is only partial and the blood fl ow to the heart is decreased, it can cause chest pain called angina. It may not cause lasting damage to the heart muscle, but it is a warning sign that a person could develop a major heart attack.

Blockage in the blood vessel may occur from:
• Fatty deposits called plaque
• A blood clot
• A spasm in the blood vessel

What causes heart attacks and strokes?
Heart attacks and strokes are mainly caused by a blockage that prevents blood from fl owing to the heart or the brain. The most common reason for this is a build-up of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the blood vessels that supply the heart or the brain. This makes the blood vessels narrower and less fl exible. It is sometimes called hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis.

The blood vessels are then more likely to get blocked by blood clots. When that happens, the blood vessels cannot supply blood to the heart and brain, which become damaged.

Warning signs:
*  Discomfort or pain in the center of the chest.
*  Discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
*  Shortness of breath.
*  Breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.

Besides age, factors that increase the risk for a heart attack include:
*  A previous heart attack or angina,
*  Family history of early heart disease
– father or brother diagnosed before age 55
– mother or sister diagnosed before age 65,
*  Diabetes,
*  High blood cholesterol,
*  High blood pressure,
*  Cigarette smoking,
*  Overweight, and
*  Physical inactivity.

Signs and symptoms:-
The symptoms vary depending on the type of heart disease. For many people, chest discomfort or a heart attack is the first sign.
• Pain, pressure, tightness, heaviness, squeezing or burning in your chest, arm, jaw, shoulders or neck
-Occurs both during activity and at rest
– Lasts for more than 5 minutes or goes away then comes back
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach pain or heartburn
• Feeling very tired, dizzy or faint
• Feeling scared or panicked

Someone having a heart attack may experience several symptoms, including:
*  Chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away after a few minutes.
*   Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
*   Weakness, light-headedness, nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), or a cold sweat.
*   Pain or discomfort in the arms or shoulder.
*   Shortness of breath.

Health Conditions