Coronary heart disease is America’s number one killer. That’s why it’s so important to reduce your risk factors, know the warning signs, and know how to respond quickly and properly if symptoms occur.
A heart attack (Myocardial Infarction or MI) occurs when the blood supply to the heart is restricted or cut off. During a heart attack, the heart muscle begins to die due to lack of blood flow to it. Symptoms of heart attack include:
- Discomfort
- Pressure
- Heaviness
- Pain in the chest, arm or below the breast bone
- Discomfort radiating to the back, jaw, throat or arm
- Fullness, indigestion or choking feeling (may feel like heartburn)
- Sweating
- Nausea, vomiting or dizziness
- Extreme weakness
- Anxiety
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid or irregular heart beats
During a heart attack, symptoms last 30 minutes or longer and are not relieved by rest or oral medications. Initial symptoms can start as a mild discomfort that progress to significant pain. Some people have a heart attack without having any symptoms (a "silent" MI). A silent MI can occur among all people, though it occurs more often among diabetics.
If you experience the symptoms of a heart, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. Obtaining treatment quickly is key to reducing damage to your heart.