What is a heart attack
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked or severely reduced. This deprives the heart of oxygen, causing damage to the muscle. A heart attack is a medical emergency that can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Immediate action, including calling emergency services and performing CPR if necessary, can help save a life. Recognizing the signs and knowing what to do can make a significant difference in survival and recovery.
When to seek emergency help
Call 911 or local emergency services immediately if you or someone nearby shows signs of a heart attack. Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away, and do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital unless absolutely necessary.
Quick medical response is essential to restoring blood flow and minimizing heart damage.
Common symptoms
Symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person but commonly include:
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Chest pain or discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or aching
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Pain that radiates to the shoulders, arms, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen
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Cold sweats
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Fatigue or unusual tiredness
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Heartburn or a feeling of indigestion
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Dizziness or lightheadedness
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Nausea or vomiting
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Shortness of breath
Chest pain is a classic symptom and typically lasts more than 15 minutes. It can be mild or severe. However, not everyone experiences chest pain, and some people, especially women, may have less typical symptoms such as sharp pain in the neck or back, or just nausea and fatigue.
Some heart attacks happen suddenly, but many begin with warning signs hours or days in advance.
What to do during a heart attack
Call 911 or emergency medical help right away. Don’t delay treatment by trying to wait it out or driving yourself to the hospital unless you have no other choice.
Take aspirin if advised by a medical professional. Aspirin can help reduce blood clotting and limit heart damage. Do not take it unless instructed to do so by a healthcare provider. Never delay calling emergency services in order to take aspirin.
If you have nitroglycerin prescribed for chest pain, take it as directed while waiting for help to arrive.
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, begin CPR immediately. If untrained, perform hands-only CPR by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available and the person is unconscious. AEDs are designed to be used by the public and provide spoken instructions for proper use. The device will only deliver a shock if it detects a heart rhythm that can be treated with defibrillation.
Prevention tips
Heart attacks are often preventable with healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some ways to reduce your risk:
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Quit smoking and avoid tobacco in all forms
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Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes most days of the week
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Maintain a healthy body weight
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Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
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Reduce salt and saturated fat intake
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Limit alcohol consumption
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Manage stress through relaxation techniques, hobbies, or counseling
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Control underlying conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol
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Get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night
Additionally, it’s a good idea to learn CPR and how to use an AED so you can assist someone experiencing a heart attack. Ask your local health providers about accredited first-aid training courses in your area.
Conclusion
A heart attack is a life-threatening condition that demands immediate action. Knowing the symptoms, how to respond with first aid, and when to call emergency services can save lives. Even if symptoms seem mild or unclear, it’s better to be cautious and seek help right away.
Learning CPR and AED use can also empower you to help others during a crisis. Preventing heart attacks starts with daily choices, so stay informed and take care of your heart health.