what course heart attack

Symptoms

A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked. The blockage is most often a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances, which form a plaque in the arteries that feed the heart (coronary arteries). Sometimes, a plaque can rupture and form a clot that blocks blood flow.

Causes

The interrupted blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle. A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, can be fatal, but treatment has improved dramatically over the years. It's crucial to call 911 or emergency medical help if you think you might be having a heart attack.

Prevention

580,000 are a first heart attack. One of 5 heart attacks is silent—the damage is done, but the person is not aware of it.1 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.

Complications

At the first signs of a heart attack, call for emergency treatment (911). Do not wait for your symptoms to "go away." Early recognition and treatment of heart attack symptoms can reduce the risk of heart damage and allow treatment to be started immediately.

How does a heart attack occur?

What is a heart attack and how dangerous is it?

How common is a first heart attack?

What should I do if I have a heart attack?

What causes heart attacks?

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.

How can I avoid a heart attack?

Lifestyle ChangesStop smoking. If you smoke, quit. ... Choose good nutrition. A healthy diet is one of the best weapons you have to fight cardiovascular disease. ... High blood cholesterol. ... Lower high blood pressure. ... Be physically active every day. ... Aim for a healthy weight. ... Manage diabetes. ... Reduce stress.More items...•

Can heart attacks be cured?

Once you've been diagnosed with heart disease, you can't be cured. But you can treat the things that contributed to the development of coronary artery disease. In turn, this can reduce how the condition impacts your body.

Can drinking water prevent a heart attack?

Drink water before bed A study in the American Journal of Medical Epidemiology found that participants who drink five or more glasses of plain water per day have a lower risk for fatal coronary heart disease, compared to those who drink less than two glasses per day.

Who is at risk for a heart attack?

Age. Men age 45 and older and women age 55 and older are more likely to have a heart attack than are younger men and women. Tobacco use. This includes smoking and long-term exposure to secondhand smoke.

How do I know if my heart is OK?

Diagnostic tests could include blood tests, cardiac CT scan, cardiac MRI, cardiac catheterization, coronary angiography, echocardiography, stress testing, electrocardiogram and others.

How do I know if my heart is weak?

Heart failure signs and symptoms may include: Shortness of breath with activity or when lying down. Fatigue and weakness. Swelling in the legs, ankles and feet.

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 ...

What causes a heart attack?

A heart attack is caused when blood flow through one or more of the heart (coronary) arteries that supply blood to the heart is cut off. While blood flow can be blocked if the artery spasms and obstructs flow, for example, the majority of heart attacks are caused by blood clots ( thrombosis) that form around ruptured plaques.

Why do we have heart attacks in the morning?

Each process might be most active at a different time. Biological processes that are most active in the first hours upon waking – such as the heart’s need for more oxygen, increased cortisol levels and higher blood pressure – seem to make the early morning hours a trigger for heart attacks. Stress.

Can a blockage in the neck cause a stroke?

Blockages in the carotid arteries in the neck can cause strokes. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition in which blockages are present in the legs, feet or arms, or in the arteries leading to the kidneys (more specifically called kidney artery disease or renal artery disease ).

How to improve heart health after heart attack?

Lifestyle changes —Eating a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing stress—in addition to taking prescribed medicines— can help improve your heart health and quality of life.

What does it feel like to have a heart attack?

The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint. You may also break out into a cold sweat.

What is cardiac rehabilitation?

Cardiac rehabilitation — Cardiac rehabilitation is an important program for anyone recovering from a heart attack, heart failure, or other heart problem that required surgery or medical care.

What are the risk factors for heart disease?

About half of all Americans have at least one of the three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking. 2. Some risk factors cannot be controlled, such as your age or family history. But you can take steps to lower your risk by changing the factors you can control.

How to reduce the chances of heart attack?

Your doctor may want you to limit work , travel, or sexual activity for some time after a heart attack.

Can a heart attack cause shortness of breath?

This often comes along with chest discomfort, but shortness of breath also can happen before chest discomfort. Other symptoms of a heart attack could include unusual or unexplained tiredness and nausea or vomiting. Women are more likely to have these other symptoms. Learn more about women and heart disease.

What causes a heart attack?

Causes. A heart attack occurs when one or more of your coronary arteries becomes blocked. Over time, a buildup of fatty deposits, including cholesterol, form substances called plaques, which can narrow the arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition, called coronary artery disease, causes most heart attacks.

What are the risk factors for a heart attack?

Heart attack risk factors include: Age. Men age 45 or older and women age 55 or older are more likely to have a heart attack than are younger men and women. Tobacco.

What are the complications of a heart attack?

Complications. Complications are often related to the damage done to your heart during a heart attack, which can lead to: Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Electrical "short circuits" can develop, resulting in abnormal heart rhythms, some of which can be serious, and may lead to death.

How far in advance can you tell if you have a heart attack?

Some heart attacks strike suddenly, but many people have warning signs and symptoms hours, days or weeks in advance.

How do you know if you have a heart attack?

Symptoms. Common heart attack signs and symptoms include: Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back. Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain. Shortness of breath.

What happens when your heart is blocked?

A heart attack occurs when an artery supplying your heart with blood and oxygen becomes blocked. Fatty deposits build up over time, forming plaques in your heart's arteries. If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and block your arteries, causing a heart attack. During a heart attack, tissue in your heart muscle dies due to lack ...

Can a heart attack cause a clot?

Sometimes, a plaque can rupture and form a clot that blocks blood flow. The interrupted blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle. A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, can be fatal, but treatment has improved dramatically over the years.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack is a frightening experience. If you have experienced a heart attack, or are close with someone who has, you should know this: You are not alone. In fact, tens of thousands of people survive heart attacks and go on to lead productive, enjoyable lives.

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Overview

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

Complications

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Prevention

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