According to the CDC, someone in the United States has a heart attack every 40 seconds. Unfortunately, many of us are not aware of the signs and symptoms. The longer you wait to seek treatment after symptoms begin, the greater your risk of significant damage to the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure, dangerous arrhythmias or even death. February is American Heart Month, which makes now the perfect time to review the symptoms of a heart attack.
What is a heart attack?
About 800,000 Americans have a heart attack (or myocardial infarction) every year, according to the American Heart Association. When fat and cholesterol deposit in the wall of the coronary artery, plaque forms, which can eventually limit blood flow to the heart muscle. While a mild narrowing typically produces no symptoms, even a moderate narrowing can cause chest pressure during exertion (called “angina”). This is because the reduced blood flow cannot meet the heart muscle’s oxygen needs.
When the cap of a plaque in the artery ruptures, it can become an ulcer, form a blood clot and cut off blood flow completely. Even smaller plaques can rupture and are often the culprit in a heart attack. The region of the heart served by the blocked artery is then deprived of oxygen and causes that segment of the heart to die. During a heart attack, the affected part of the heart fails to contract, causing the pump to weaken, a state referred to as “heart failure.” The damaged heart tissue can also trigger abnormal and dangerous heart rhythms.
Who is at risk for a heart attack?
It’s crucial to be aware of risk factors that make you more likely to have a heart attack. Some cardiac risk results from items out of our control, such as genetics, age and gender. The good news is that we can modify other factors, like smoking, body weight, diet, exercise, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose to decrease our chances of a heart attack substantially. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that up to 90% of heart disease may be preventable with meticulous attention to these seven risk factors.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
Chest discomfort is the primary sign of heart attack, though it often presents as more of a dull, heavy pressure that may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or upper abdomen. Shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, lightheadedness and an uncomfortable sense of danger may also be present. It is important to remember that some heart attacks can present without chest pain as the main symptom, especially in women or the elderly.
If you notice heart attack symptoms, call 9-1-1.
Don’t take any chances. Call 911 when you first suspect a heart attack, stroke or any other heart emergency. Acting fast could save your life or a loved one’s. Don’t assume it’s “nothing” — some heart attacks can happen suddenly, but do not ignore a more gradual onset of mild discomfort. Listen to your body and call 911 if you feel any discomfort in the chest or upper body, experience shortness of breath, break out in cold sweats or have nausea or lightheadedness.
How do you recover from a heart attack?
Depending on the severity, your heart may not function as well following a heart attack. That’s why it is important to make the lifestyle changes necessary to help your heart heal and prevent other health problems from occurring. Commit to a healthier diet, find ways to manage your stress and cut smoking out entirely. You might also consider exercising more frequently if your heart strength permits. Be sure to talk with your doctor to determine the right recovery program for you.
Dr. Anthony Magnano is a Ponte Vedra resident and chief of cardiology at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville. For more information on Magnano and his specialty in treating atrial fibrillation, go to Healthcare.ascension.org or call 904-388-1820.
