How Will I Feel If I Have a Heart Attack?

Heart attacks, known by their medical name of acute myocardial infarction, is a state of disease that involves the interruption of the bloody supply to part of the heart. The result is a shortage of oxygen that can damage the heart tissue and potentially kill. Heart attacks are the leading cause of death all over the world. Major heart attack risk factors include a history of angina or vascular disease, a previous stroke or heart attack, old age, excessive alcohol, the abuse of illegal drugs, smoking, episodes of abnormal heart beat, obesity, high levels of stress, high or low cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

“Myocardial infarction” is a term derived from the scientific terms for the heart muscle, myocardium, and tissue death as a result of lack of oxygen – infarction. It should be noted that sudden cardiac death is different from a heart attack; a heart attack may or may not result in sudden cardiac death.

Common heart attack symptoms include intense chest pains, which can often be felt also in the left arm or jaw, profuse sweating, and a sense of impending doom or morbid fear. Yet many heart attack victims do not have any of these symptoms at all. Or they might experience them in mild form, or have localized pain in their shoulders, arms, back, or abdomen. Sometimes the only symptom is a feeling of heartburn or nausea. When experiencing these mild symptoms, often times people will not regard it as a problem and refuse to seek medical help. It is estimated that around thirty percent of all heart attacks are actually diagnosed as such after the fact. Thus, it is incredibly important that people who are at risk for heart attacks pay attention to anything unusual that occurs in the upper half of their bodies.

At risk individuals include middle aged or older people who are smokers, obese, diabetic, overweight, or sedentary. Those who have family histories of heart trouble or high cholesterol should also be on the alert. Ideally, individuals who fit in to this category should receive regular screenings for coronary artery disease from their doctors and receive advice on modifying risk factors, as well as being informed on potential cardiac problems that might arise.

In today’s world, we have the benefit of new and improved treatments and medications for heart attacks and strokes that were not available in the past. Clot busting medications can stop heart attacks in progress and save lives while also reducing the level of potential disability. But in order to be effective, these medications need to be administered immediately – they will not be effective if they are administered too late. This is why it is essential to seek medical treatment as soon as heart attack signs begin to appear.

If you suspect that you are having a heart attack, it is vital to act on time to avoid serious consequences. Dial 911 immediately to avoid potential death or permanent disability. Heart attacks are a life threatening situation, and every split second matters.

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