Heart is an organ made up of muscles that works hard to pump blood throughout our body. With continuous and tireless work, our heart needs continuous blood supply as well for its nutrients and oxygen. If arteries are clogged, a heart attack happens that prevents blood from entering areas of the heart. A smoking or drug-taking coronary spasm can also interrupt the flow of blood to the heart and cause a heart attack. Minutes later, portions of the heart are beginning to die. The earlier it is possible to open the blocked artery and restart the blood flow, the greater our chances of survival.
Signs and Symptoms
In the days or weeks prior to a heart attack, some people will experience chest pain (angina) and some people will have no warning signs at all.
Angina is a heart-related discomfort that feels like a pulling or pressure in your abdomen. It’s a symptom of heart disease where cholesterol build-up lining your arteries blocks the heart’s flow of blood and oxygen. Angina pain can last for about 10 minutes, extending to your neck, spine, or shoulders. Angina does not cause permanent heart damage, but it is a big sign of blocks the arteries.
You may also feel the following at the onset of a heart attack as well as chest pain:
- Cold sweat or nausea
- Shortness of breath
- Breath pain extending to one or both limbs, back, throat, jaw or stomach
Risk Factors
- Heart attacks are rare in men under 45 (although they are increasing for that age group), and as you get older, the chances of having a heart attack rise.
- Persons with overweight, cigarettes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes are at increased risk of a heart attack.
- The risk of heart attack may be in your blood. And, if someone has had a heart attack in your immediate family, the chance of having one is better.
Tests to be Done
If you have chest pain or a high risk of heart attack, see your doctor right away. The doctor will:
- Talk about risk factors
- Listen to your heart
- Take your blood pressure
- To check your cholesterol levels, submit blood tests.
Treatment
If you are at risk of a heart attack, the doctor will recommend changes in lifestyle to mitigate the chances. You may also administer blood thinning drugs and lower the risk of blockages. Supplements for men are recommended for stronger body and immunity.
The heart will be weakened if you have a heart attack, triggering irregular heartbeats or heart failure. If your heart is not powerful enough to pump blood throughout your body, heart failure happens. By this time, you’re going to be talking to you in a hospital bed with cardiologist’s diagnosis with treatment options.
