A heart attack is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked.
In this web story, we will explain what a heart attack is, its causes, risk factors, and how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack.
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked. This is usually caused by a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, which ruptures and forms a blood clot. [Source: heart.org]
What is a heart attack?
Causes of a heart attack are atherosclerosis [plaque builds up in the coronary arteries], coronary artery spasms, blood clots, and a tear in the coronary artery.[Source: hopkinsmedicine.org]
Causes of a heart attack:
Risk factors for a heart attack include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, a family history of heart disease, and a sedentary lifestyle. [Source: hopkinsmedicine.org]
Risk factors for a heart attack:
Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, and pain or discomfort in the arms.[Source: hopkinsmedicine.org]
Signs and symptoms of a heart attack:
Women experience different symptoms of a heart attack than men. Women are more likely to experience nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain. [Source: heart.org]
Women and heart attacks:
Prevention of a heart attack includes lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.[Source: hopkinsmedicine.org]
Prevention of a heart attack:
Exercise is an important part of maintaining heart health. Regular exercise helps to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. [Source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
Exercise and heart health:
Stress is a risk factor for heart disease. It is important to manage your stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises. [Source: health.harvard.edu]
Stress and heart health:
A healthy diet helps to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. A heart-healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. [Source: ucsfhealth.org]
Diet and heart health:
If you experience the symptoms of a heart attack, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Recognizing a heart attack:
Emergency treatment for a heart attack includes medications to dissolve blood clots, oxygen therapy, and surgery to restore blood flow to the heart.
Emergency treatment for a heart attack:
A heart attack is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack and taking preventive measures help to maintain heart health.