A heart attack occurs when the blood flow that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is severely reduced or cut off completely. If blood flow isn't restored quickly, the section of the heart muscle begins to die. Heart attacks occur most often as a result of coronary heart disease. CHD is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. As this plaque begins to build over time and is not taken care of, it can block the blood flow to the heart, which could then cause a heart attack.
A lot of the time, you will have no previous signs or symptoms that you are about the have a heart attack, or that you have an unhealthy heart.
Heart Attack Symptoms
Many times, heart attacks happen and we don't even realize it. Some heart attacks can be sudden and intense, but most start out slowly with mild pain and discomfort. These are the times when people do not realize what is going on inside their body and heart.
Some signs to look out for and be cautious of are below:
- Chest Discomfort: lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.This discomfort can feel like pressure, squeezing or pain.
- Discomfort in the Upper Body: other than your chest, you may feel discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of Breath
- Other Symptoms: other symptoms may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light headedness
Whenever these signs are being felt, or seen on another person, it is imperative to call right away! Even if it ends up not being a heart attack, it is better to be safe. Making a call quickly and taking fast action can save lives. When taken to the hospital via EMS/ambulance, patients with chest pain and discomfort will be seen quicker
Recovering From a Heart Attack
Depending on the size and severity of your heart attack, there is a good chance that you can fully recover from it. The heart begins to repair itself almost immediately following the heart attack and usually takes about 8 weeks to fully recover. Scar tissue may form where the heart attack occurs and could effect whether or not the heart will fully recover. Most individuals must make major lifestyle changes following a heart attack in order to prevent another one from happening and lead a full, productive life.
Recovering From a Heart Attack
Depending on the size and severity of your heart attack, there is a good chance that you can fully recover from it. The heart begins to repair itself almost immediately following the heart attack and usually takes about 8 weeks to fully recover. Scar tissue may form where the heart attack occurs and could effect whether or not the heart will fully recover. Most individuals must make major lifestyle changes following a heart attack in order to prevent another one from happening and lead a full, productive life.
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