When the heart does not get enough blood, a heart attack ensues, also medically known as Myocardial infarction. Congealed fat and cholesterol block coronary arteries causing them to burst, clot, and impede blood flow.
Chest pain or discomfort is the most prevalent sign of a heart attack. Women, however, are more prone than males to have other typical symptoms such as difficulty breathing, feeling sick, and experiencing pain in the upper body.
If a heart attack has already begun, it cannot be reversed without immediate medical intervention. Heart disease and heart attack risk factors include genetics, lifestyle, age, and family history.
It is estimated that there is a heart attack case every 43 seconds. Moreover, heart attack symptoms would often overlap with other illnesses, making it more challenging to distinguish. Ryan, a project coordinator of the Nursing Department at the University of Illinois, warned that waiting too long to get care after a heart attack reduces one’s chances of survival. If you suspect you are experiencing a heart attack, dial 911 or get immediate medical attention
Chest Discomfort (Angina)
The onset of some heart attacks is often unexpected. However, for many, some symptoms and indicators may be recognized hours, days, or even weeks in advance. An early warning might be recurring chest discomfort or pressure (Angina) that doesn’t go away with rest. When the blood supply to the heart temporarily decreases, symptoms of Angina develop. Chest discomfort associated with Angina is often characterized as a feeling of squeezing, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or agony. It might feel like a boulder pressing down on your chest. Angina may present as either a new discomfort that requires medical attention or a recurrent ache that resolves after receiving treatment.
Unstable Angina is more specific to a heart attack symptom among the different types. The intense pain can linger for 20 minutes or more, requiring immediate treatment. The discomfort does not go away even after resting or using the typical angina treatment. In this case, a heart attack will further develop if blood flow isn’t improved and oxygen isn’t supplied to the heart.
Other diagnoses can also induce different forms of Angina; however, it eventually subsides. If the chest discomfort persists, you may be experiencing a heart attack, and best to seek help immediately.
