Atención temprana del ataque cardíaco
Preventing Heart Attacks by Understanding Cardiovascular Risks
Did you know that heart attacks often have "beginnings" that can occur days or weeks before the actual event? Recognizing these early signs with the help of a doctor is crucial to preventing a full-blown heart attack and its potential health consequences. Many people mistake early warning signs, such as chest pain, for heartburn or a pulled muscle, leading to delays in seeking help.
At Saint Francis, we work to provide education, care and treatment options to address the early signs of a heart attack.
What Is a Heart Attack?
In the United States, someone experiences a heart attack every 40 seconds. Also known as a myocardial infarction, this medical emergency occurs when part of the heart muscle doesn't receive enough blood, usually due to plaque buildup in the heart's arteries. This blockage limits the oxygen and nutrients reaching your heart.
Each year, more than 800,000 Americans experience a heart attack – with approximately 600,000 having a first heart attack and 200,000 of those people already having experienced a heart attack.
About 1 in 5 heart attacks are silent – meaning they have no symptoms, minimal symptoms or unrecognizable symptoms. A silent heart attack can happen without a person knowing it, yet there’s a blockage of blood flow to a section of the heart, which can cause scarring and damage to the heart muscle.
What Are the Early Signs of a Heart Attack?
Heart attack symptoms can differ between men and women, but common signs include:
- Chest pain or discomfort: This discomfort usually lasts more than a few minutes or may come and go. It may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of the chest.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body: This may include pain or discomfort in the back, jaw, stomach, or one or both arms.
- Shortness of breath: This may occur with, before or without chest pain or discomfort.
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Nausea or light-headedness
Women may experience additional symptoms that often go unnoticed, such as:
- Back pain
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Pressure, fullness, squeezing pain in the center of the chest, spreading to the neck, shoulder or jaw
- Unusual fatigue
- Unusual shortness of breath
- Upper abdominal pressure or discomfort
- Vomiting
If you experience these early warning signs, do not delay care. Early treatment is key, as it is most effective during the initial stages of chest pain. In case of a heart attack, call 911 and seek immediate medical care.
What Are the Risk Factors of a Heart Attack?
Several factors may increase your risk for a myocardial infarction, including:
- Diabetes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Family history of heart disease
- High blood cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Obesity and being overweight
- Old age
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking
- Too much stress
- Unhealthy diet
How To Prevent a Heart Attack
In addition to working closely with your doctor and monitoring early warning signs, making lifestyle changes may help prevent a heart attack. These changes include:
- Being physically active
- Eating and drinking healthily
- Limiting alcohol intake or abstaining
- Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight
- Lowering high blood pressure (if necessary)
- Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing and managing stress
- Treating or managing conditions that can be risk factors for heart attacks, such as diabetes
Take the EHAC Oath With Us
We encourage you to start taking care of your heart health today. Begin this commitment by taking the EHAC oath with us:
“I understand that heart attacks have beginnings, and signs of an impending heart attack may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, shoulder and/or arm pain and weakness. These may occur hours or weeks before the actual heart attack. I solemnly pledge that if this happens to me or anyone I know, I will call 9-1-1 or activate Emergency Medical Services.”
Visit the Deputy Heart Attack website for more information about heart disease and prevention.
Find a Cardiologist
Recognize early warning signs of a heart attack and get the care you need as early as possible with the help of a cardiologist. Call 877-594-8316 to schedule an appointment or to request a doctor referral.