Are You Having a Heart Attack? Don’t Ignore These Signs

Heart attacks, also medically referred to as myocardial infarctions, are common, but 
potentially life-threatening events. Every year, nearly 800,000 people in the United 
States suffer one of these acute medical emergencies. The following brief article 
discusses what happens when someone experiences a heart attack, what causes such 
an event, as well as the symptoms he or she might face if affected. 

What Is A Heart Attack?

Such an event occurs when a blood vessel leading to or situated within the heart is 
impacted by a complete blockage. This obstruction results in a loss of blood flow and 
supply of oxygen to the heart. Should the disease process continue to advance, the 
stricken individual’s surrounding heart muscle begins to die and, if he or she fails to 
receive prompt and adequate medical intervention, will suffer significant disability or 
possibly even die. 

What Causes A Heart Attack?

Typically, coronary artery disease is caused by a collection of cholesterol inside blood 
blood vessels in and around the heart that causes these blood passageways to narrow 
and eventually become obstructed. There are certain risk factors that might cause 
certain people to be more susceptible than others, including:

Family History - If a person’s parents or grandparents have a history of heart disease, 
their risk of a heart attack may be greater.

Age - Like many diseases, the risk of a heart attack increases with age. 

High Blood Pressure - This condition places undo strain on the heart and arteries and 
could exacerbate coronary artery disease.

High Cholesterol - Elevated blood concentrations of LDL or ‘bad cholesterol” increase 
someone’s chances of being stricken with coronary artery disease.

Smoking - Nicotine raises blood pressure and forces the heart to work harder and 
faster. 

What Are the Symptoms of A Heart Attack?

Heart attack symptoms may vary from person to person. In some cases, men and 
women might experience different symptoms altogether. The most common 
manifestation often experienced by members of both sexes is chest pain or pressure. 
However, severe chest pain is more often experienced by men. 

Other well-known symptoms include shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating and chest 
pain radiating to bodily regions such as the neck, jaw left arm and back. Women, 
however, are believed to sometimes experience more of a heart attack's less common, 
perhaps overlooked symptoms. Such manifestations include shortness of breath without 
accompanying chest discomfort and gastrointestinal symptoms like indigestion, nausea 
and vomiting. 

Regardless of what symptoms a person is experiencing, he or she should seek urgent 
medical care for pain or accompanying manifestations that last for more than a few 
minutes, recur or worsen. While other less serious health issues can mimic heart attack 
symptoms, it is a more prudent, perhaps life-saving action to play it safe and be 
examined by a physician.

