Heart Attack

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common type of heart disease and the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, with 375,476 deaths in 2021. It is caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart and often results in a heart attack. It is also known as coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease. About 20.5 million United States adults have coronary artery disease, making it the most common type of heart disease in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 805,000 people in the United States suffer a heart attack each year. 605,000 are first heart attacks, 200,000 happen to people who have already had a heart attack, and about 1 in 5 heart attacks are silent (the damage is done, but the person is not aware of it). Approximately half of heart attack deaths occur within one hour of the onset of symptoms and before the person reaches the hospital.

Seeking medical care as soon as possible is crucial to protecting one's heart and life or the life of someone else.

The heart pumps oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the body 24 hours a day. Blood is supplied to the heart through its coronary arteries. Coronary heart disease causes plaque or fatty substances to build up inside the walls of the arteries, a process known as atherosclerosis. This process develops gradually over many years and can even begin in childhood.

Fatty buildup or plaque can rupture and cause the formation of a blood clot, which can reduce blood flow. This cycle of buildup, rupture, and clotting narrows the coronary arteries, leading to ischemia and potential chest pain (angina).

The pain may be mild and intermittent or more pronounced and steady. Inadequate blood supply to the heart can cause severe difficulties in performing everyday activities. However, this condition may also be asymptomatic (no symptoms), known as silent ischemia.

A heart attack occurs when a blood clot suddenly blocks most or all of the blood supply to the heart, causing cells in the heart muscle to die due to insufficient oxygen-carrying blood. The longer the delay in treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart.

Heart attacks can affect both men and women. However, certain individuals may be more susceptible to heart attacks due to their risk factors. Risk factors are behaviors or conditions that increase the likelihood of developing a disease. While some risk factors for heart attacks cannot be controlled, most can be modified to help reduce the risk of experiencing a first or subsequent heart attack.

• Pre-existing coronary heart diseases. These would include a previous heart attack, a prior angioplasty or bypass surgery, or angina.
• Age. In men, the risk increases after age 45; in women, the risk increases after age 55.
• Family history of early heart disease. Of particular concern are those whose father or brother was diagnosed before age 55 or whose mother or sister was diagnosed before age 65.

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Overweight and obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Diabetes

Having more than one risk factor increases your chance of having a heart attack. Therefore, it is very important to prevent or control risk factors that can be modified. If you have one or more of these factors, see your health care provider to find out how to reduce your risk of having a first or repeat heart attack.

It is important to be aware of these symptoms and take appropriate action.

Recognizing the signs of a heart attack is crucial in saving lives. Contrary to popular belief, a heart attack may not always manifest as a sudden and intense episode where a person clutches their chest and falls over. It often starts slowly as mild pain or discomfort that may come and go. Even individuals who have experienced a heart attack may not identify their symptoms because subsequent attacks can present entirely different symptoms. As with men, women’s most common heart attack symptom is chest pain (angina) or discomfort. But women may experience other symptoms that are typically less associated with heart attack, such as shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach can occur.

This can occur before or along with chest discomfort.

Symptoms may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.

Learn the signs, but remember that even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, you should still seek professional medical advice. Fast action can save lives – maybe your own.

Help is available to assist you.

Eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and exercise to reduce blood pressure. Your physician may also prescribe medication.

The best way to lower cholesterol is to reduce your intake of saturated fats and to increase physical activity. Your physician may also prescribe medication.

Control your caloric intake and lose excess weight.

Thirty minutes or more on most days each week (preferably all) of moderately intense physical activity is recommended for adults.

Treatment and better blood sugar control can delay complications that increase the risk of a heart attack.