Heart Disease

Heart disease is caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart. Like any muscle, the heart needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients, which are carried to it by the blood in the coronary arteries. When the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged by fat and cholesterol deposits and cannot supply enough blood to the heart, the result is coronary heart disease (CHD). If not enough oxygen-carrying blood reaches the heart, you may experience chest pain called angina. If the blood supply to a portion of the heart is completely cut off by total blockage of a coronary artery, the result is a heart attack. This is usually due to a sudden closure from a blood clot forming on top of a previous narrowing. It is important you recognize the warning signs of a heart attack and get help immediately.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack:

• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath. This feeling often comes along with chest discomfort. But it can occur before the chest discomfort.
• Other signs. These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

Don't delay. Call 9-1-1. Get to a hospital right away. Each heart attack can have different signs. When in doubt, check it out. Minutes matter! Don't wait more than a few minutes - 5 minutes at most to call 9-1-1 or the emergency number in your community.

Source: Act in Time to Heart Attack Signs