Understanding Heart Attacks

UNDERSTANDING HEART ATTACKS

Heart attacks are often thought of as a sudden, painful pressure in the chest that takes a person by complete surprise. But heart attacks can have early warning signs, and often result from heart disease that builds up over time. A key to preventing a heart attack is knowing the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.

What causes heart attacks?

The two main causes of heart attacks are:

• Coronary artery blockage

• Coronary artery disease

What happens during a heart attack?

A network of blood vessels, known as coronary arteries, surrounds the heart muscle and supply it with blood that is rich in oxygen. The heart muscle needs this oxygen to function.

A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery suddenly becomes blocked, stopping the flow of blood to the heart muscle and damaging it. Al part of the heart muscle becomes cut off from its oxygen supply. Left without, the heart muscle is injured.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary disease (also known as atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries) occurs when fatty deposits build up within the artery walls. Over time, the fatty deposits harden, narrowing the passageway inside the blood vessel. The narrowed artery limits or pinches off the flow of the blood to the heart muscle.

The rough, hardened surface of the artery also encourages small blood clots to form. Most heart attacks result when a blood clot forms in a narrowed artery. The blood clot blocks the artery and prevents blood from reaching part of the heart muscle.

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Here are some of the signs that can mean a heart attack is happening.

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

• Discomfort in other areas of the body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

• Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.

• Other signs. These may include breaking out in cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If you or someone you are with have chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don’ wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for a help. Get to a hospital right away.

Source: American Heart Association

Note: This information is not intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical advise, diagnosis or treatment. If you or someone you know have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is advisable to seek professional help.

For any questions, please contact any of our accredited physicians. Call the Center for Patient Partnership at 988-1000 or 988-7000 local 6444.

Cardiac and Peripheral Vascular Center
Tel. no.: (632) 988-1000 / (632) 988-7000 ext. 6299/6243