Heart attack is caused by a narrowing of the coronary arteries - blood vessels that supply blood to the heart.
This narrowing condition is called Coronary Heart
Disease (CHD). Nowadays, CHD is a serious health problem in our community. It has become the main cause of death in the US. Fortunately, there are some steps to protect our heart from this situation.
Firstly, it is important to recognize factors that increase the risk of a heart attack. These factors are divided into two groups :
1. Factors that cannot be controlled:
· Pre-existing coronary heart disease
· Age (>45 in men, >55 in women)
· Family history (heart disease before age 55 in a father or brother, or heart disease before age 65 in a mother or a sister)
2. Factors that can be controlled:
· Smoking
· High blood pressure
· High cholesterol
· Overweight & obesity
· Physical inactivity
· Diabetes
Note that these factors multiply each other's effects. So, if you have one or more of these factors, please go to see your doctor to find out how to reduce the risk of having heart attack. By taking steps to control these factors, you can reduce your risk of having a heart attack.
It is also important to know the signs of heart attack. Many people think that a heart attack is sudden and intense, like a ‘movie’ heart attack. In the real world, many heart attacks start slowly, as a mild pain & discomfort. These symptoms can even come and go. The warning signs of a heart attack are :
· Chest discomfort (uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain).
· Pain or discomfort in other area of upper body such as in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
· Shortness of breath
· Other symptoms such as light-headedness, nausea, a sudden cold sweat.
A person with these symptoms needs to immediately call 911. Emergency medical personnel can begin necessary treatment immediately even before arrival at the hospital. Don’t wait for more than a few minutes. Treatment must be given fast – within 1 hour of the start of the symptoms. If you cannot reach 911, ask someone to drive you to the hospital. Never drive by yourself to the health care provider unless you don’t have any other choice. Most of people wait too long to seek medical help – and that can result in death or permanent heart damage.
It is necessary to prepare yourself and your family for this emergency situation. Always prepare a list that inform medicines you are taking, medicines you are allergic to, and phone numbers of people to contact if you go to hospital.
Read more at www.nhlbi.nih.gov/actintime/