Take Heart: Know Your Heart Attack
Risks And How To Reduce Them
Information courtesy of | Texas A&M Health
During a season when chocolate hearts often steal center stage, American Heart Month also calls for a look inward. As the root cause of heart attacks, heart disease makes up the leading cause of death for men, women and people across most racial and ethnic groups. But healthy lifestyle choices and regular checkups with health care providers can reduce risk.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is reduced or cut off, often caused by atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque — a mix of fat, cholesterol and other substances — builds up in the coronary arteries, narrowing them over time.
Ruptured plaque can trigger a clot that blocks blood flow completely, leading to damage in the heart muscle and creating a life-threatening emergency, said Paul Ou, MD, clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M University College of Medicine. “Without blood flow, the affected heart muscle will begin to die. If a health care provider doesn’t restore blood flow quickly, a heart attack can result in permanent heart damage or death,” he said
Symptoms of a heart attack.
Heart attack symptoms vary from person to person, and recognizing warning signs early could be lifesaving. Men and women often experience heart attack symptoms differently, with women more likely to have subtle or even seemingly asymptomatic symptoms, potentially muddling detection efforts. One of the more recognizable heart attack symptoms, angina, is characterized by chest pain or discomfort caused by lack of blood flow to the heart; severe or unexpected angina may signal a heart attack. Other symptoms may seem less immediately apparent.
“Many people ignore symptoms such as reflux or indigestion, but it’s important to listen to your body and take these signs seriously to prevent symptoms from escalating,” Ou said.
Commonly recognized symptoms:
- Shortness of breath, which may occur with or without chest pain.
- Chest pain, which may persist for several minutes, subside and then return. It might resemble uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Tingling or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, shoulder or jaw
Less well-known symptoms:
- Feeling unusually tired, lightheaded or weak.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Heartburn-like feeling.
- Cold sweats.
Heightened emotions can increase stress and worsen heart attack symptoms, so remaining composed during a crisis is crucial. Individuals experiencing possible symptoms of a heart attack should maintain a comfortable environment and immediately seek medical attention.
According to Michael Middleton, associate director of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at Texas A&M University Health Services, if you or someone nearby experiences a heart attack, calling 911 immediately allows dispatchers to assess the situation and provide critical instructions. They may ask about allergies, recommend taking aspirin and provide instruction on preparing for EMS arrival, such as unlocking doors and identifying anyone who knows CPR. While waiting, stay calm, avoid eating or drinking, and remain in a comfortable position. Following emergency personnel instructions is crucial, since early intervention can save lives.
“If you’re driving, and you’re feeling dizzy, having chest pain, blurred vision or similar symptoms, you probably shouldn’t be driving, so get to a safe place and call for help,” Middleton said.
Risk factors.
Age, gender, medical history and family history all contribute to risk factors for experiencing a heart attack. Health care providers can help manage, reduce or prevent such risks.
Men are at higher risk than women and tend to experience heart attacks earlier in life. Although risk for women rises after menopause, their overall risk remains lower than that of men. Among individuals age 65 and older, women face a greater risk of dying from a heart attack. Among both men and women, risk for a heart attack increases with age.
Some racial and ethnic minority groups face a higher risk of heart disease, with heightened prevalence of high blood pressure earlier in life, obesity and diabetes in these communities playing a role in addition to limited access to doctors, healthy food and safe living environments.
“Not everyone can rush to the emergency room and foot the bill,” Ou said. “Factors contributing to financial burden often deter patients from seeking preventive care, leading to untreated symptoms and undiagnosed conditions.”
Lifestyle and preventive action.
Healthy habits are the best defense against a heart attack. Exercising, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, being at a healthy weight and not smoking, all reduce risk factors for heart disease. Excess body fat raises risk for stroke and developing heart disease, even without any other health problems. Consult with a health care professional about ways to maintain health cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
“Medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and obesity can also contribute to blockages in the arteries of your heart,” Ou said. “However, weight plays a key role in influencing these conditions.”
Although physical well-being is crucial for heart health, mental health also plays a role. Long-term stress affects both mind and body, potentially raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of a heart attack. Ou emphasized that internal peace and heart health begin with adequate sleep, a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Ou and Middleton stressed the importance of prioritizing health, listening to the body’s signals and seeking medical help when necessary. While some heart attacks are linked to medical or family history, living a healthy, balanced lifestyle remains crucial for managing heart health.
###
Texas A&M University Health Science Center Texas A&M University Health Science Center (Texas A&M Health) comprises five colleges (dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and public health), integrated University Health Services, several research centers and institutes, and numerous outpatient clinics with a shared mission of advancing health care for all. We serve the state and beyond with campuses and locations in Bryan-College Station, Dallas, Temple, Houston, Round Rock, Kingsville, Corpus Christi, McAllen and Navasota. Learn more at health.tamu.edu or follow @TAMUHealth on Twitter.