Introduction: Not Just a Scene from TV Dramas
If someone talks about heart attack, it can bring to mind someone clutching their chest while falling down. And yes, sometimes it does look like that. But often, it doesn’t. A heart attack can occur without firm warning which makes it especially hazardous if unrecognized.
Understanding what a heart attack is, why it occurs and above all, how to recognize one is the first thing to do. Understanding these things might help you or a friend survive in an emergency situation.
What Is a Heart Attack? Simple Explanation First
Basically, a heart attack happens when your heart muscle is not receiving enough blood. No oxygen can reach your heart tissue due to this blockage and this leads to the dying of the area.
Doctors call it a myocardial infarction. Don’t let the name, tummy tuck, distract you. MRI T2 Hemorrhage means you need to take action right away.
Your heart is a powerful pump. Every day, your heart beats over 100,000 times to get blood and oxygen everywhere in your body. It has to be supplied with blood as well and this supply comes from coronary arteries. If one of those gets blocked—boom, heart attack.
Why Does a Heart Attack Happen?
Having understood what a heart attack is, we can look at the causes.
The most common cause is coronary artery disease (CAD). Slowly, deposits containing fat called plaque grow on the artery walls. This condition is called atherosclerosis.
Eventually, one of these plaques can:
- Rupture or tear open.
- Trigger a blood clot that forms around it.
- Completely block blood flow to part of your heart.
And that’s when damage begins. Within minutes, heart muscle cells begin to die. The longer the blockage stays, the worse the damage.
Other less common causes include:
- Spasm of a coronary artery (temporarily stopping blood flow)
- A tear in the artery wall
- Extreme stress (yes, even intense emotional stress can contribute)
The main reason is usually the quiet buildup of plaque that you can’t see or feel.
What are the Indications: How Can You Tell You Are Having a Heart Attack?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Heart attack symptoms aren’t always obvious. And they can be different for men and women.
Still, there are some common red flags:
1. Chest Discomfort
This is the most classic symptom. It might feel like:
- Pressure
- Squeezing
- Fullness
- A feeling of pain in the middle or left part of the chest
It may make some describe their symptoms as having ‘an elephant sitting on their chest.’ Others say it’s more like bad heartburn. Many times, it continues for more than a few minutes and might even happen again after it goes away.
2. Pain Elsewhere
The discomfort can spread to:
- One or both arms
- The back
- Neck or jaw
- Even the stomach
And here’s the kicker—it might not hurt. It might just feel off. Certain feelings similar to pressure, tightness or discomfort without clear explanation.
3. Shortness of Breath
Even without chest pain, many people struggle to breathe. You could feel as though you’ve sprinted up stairs, even though you didn’t move.
4. Other Warning Signs
- Cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sudden fatigue
Women tend to notice fatigue, nausea or jaw pain right after they start having signs. For this reason, a lot of women put off seeking treatment since they haven’t had chest pains.
Silent Heart Attacks: When You Don’t Know It’s Happening
A heart attack can sometimes be silent and not all symptoms are obvious right away. Such cases are more frequent in those who have diabetes or in people age 65 and above.
Indigestion, pain in your muscles or an overall feeling of being off can explain it. Even so, testing may show damage to the heart days or weeks after infection.
So taking care of your health with regular tests and noticing symptoms is important. If something feels wrong, don’t wait.
What to Do During a Heart Attack
This part is crucial. Being fast can make a difference by increasing your survival and reducing heart damage.
Here’s what to do:
- Call emergency services immediately. In Singapore, dial 995.
- Don’t drive yourself. Wait for the ambulance. You’re safer under their care.
- Chew an aspirin. (If you’re not allergic.) This helps thin the blood and may reduce clotting.
- Rest. Stay calm and sit down. Don’t exert yourself.
- Tell someone nearby. Shout loudly in a public place if you have to get immediate help.
Time is everything. A lot of heart attack deaths occur during the first hour. Emergency treatment for the artery at a hospital decreases your risk of serious heart problems.
What Happens in the Hospital
Once you arrive, doctors will jump into action. They’ll likely do:
- An ECG (electrocardiogram): To check your heart’s rhythm
- Blood tests: To look for markers of heart damage
- Like images from echocardiograms or coronary angiograms to see the blockage
The kind and severity of the heart attack decide how it is treated. You may receive:
- Medicines (to treat clots and prevent or limit further harm)
- The blockages in the arteries are opened by angioplasty and stenting (a balloon clears the arteries and a stent is placed to keep it open).
- Bypass surgery (creating a new path around blocked arteries)
Some patients remain in the hospital for a few days and others require months of cardiac rehabilitation. Most individuals can get back to normal life by making changes and attending follow-up visits.
Preventing a Heart Attack: Start Today
Here’s the good news: most heart attacks are preventable. Your daily choices make a huge difference.
Simple lifestyle changes that reduce your risk:
- Quit smoking. Tobacco is the 1 risk factor.
- Eat a heart-friendly diet. In a balanced diet, include more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy protein and healthier kinds of fat.
- Exercise regularly. Even brisk walking 30 minutes a day helps.
- Control your blood pressure and cholesterol. Get them checked and managed.
- Limit alcohol. Too much can damage the heart.
- Manage stress. Chronic stress can raise your risk.
- Get enough sleep. Rest matters more than we think.
When heart disease runs in your family, talk about it with your physician. Earlier in life, these doctors might suggest taking certain drugs or having extra tests done.
Final Thoughts: Know the Signs, Save a Life
Heart attacks don’t always shout. Sometimes they whisper. While symptoms may show up in many forms, your body always tries to communicate something you should learn.
Don’t ignore the signs.
It is not necessary to be a medical professional to save someone. Just learn what you should watch for and act quickly when you notice a deal. Call for help. Listen to your body. Look after your heart today to make sure it beats well into the future.