Know the Heart Attack Symptoms and 5 Ways to Prevent It

Last updated:
1/24/2023

Table of Content

A heart attack is a life-threatening medical emergency that most people worry about in their lifetime. It can be fatal if not treated immediately. A heart attack might damage heart tissue that the remaining heart muscle can’t pump enough blood out of your heart. However, quick action will give the treatment the best chance of working. This article will explore how you handle a heart attack. It will also look at prevention methods, explain treatment options, and describe the heart attack symptoms

Heart Attack Causes

A lack of oxygenated blood supply in the heart muscle causes a heart attack. This happens when a coronary artery is blocked due to coronary heart disease. When coronary heart disease arises, fats and cholesterol can form deposits or plaques on the arterial walls, called atherosclerosis. Over time, the plaques narrow the blood vessels, which eventually obstructs the blood flow.

heart attack symptoms

Facts that you should know:

  • Approximately 715,000 heart attacks occur in the United States every year.
  • Heart attacks are a leading cause of death for Americans.
  • More than 350,000 cardiac emergencies occur outside of a hospital setting each year in the United States.
  • More than 70% of these happen at home, making it critical that people are educated and prepared if a loved one goes into cardiac arrest.
  • About 90% of people who had out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest will die; however, their chance of survival can double or triple if they receive help within the first few minutes of an attack.
  • Most sudden cardiac death is caused by arrhythmias or abnormal heart rhythms.

Also Read- Heart Disease Facts and Statistics in the United States

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest – What’s the Difference?

Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. When fatal, cardiac arrest is known as sudden cardiac death. A heart attack is a problem with circulation where the blood flow to the heart is blocked, but the heart does not stop beating. Both are very severe and can result in death if not treated immediately.

Here are the key differences between the Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest:

Heart Attack vs Cardiac Arrest - CPR Select

Also Read- What is ACLS Certification?

What are the Heart Attack Symptoms?

Heart attack symptoms are mild at their onset and can persist for up to several days until the actual attack happens. If you experience common heart attack symptoms or warning sign, call 911 or ask someone to call 911 immediately.

CPR AED and First Aid Certification. Get certified Now with the latest AHA guidelines.

Takes less than 20 minutes. learn more

Try your knowledge with Practice Test

Heading

Heading

Heading

Heading
Heading