Symptoms And Causes Of Heart Attack

Reduced blood supply can severely damage the heart muscle and may be life-threatening.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Common symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Chest Pain: A sensation of pressure, heaviness, tightness, or squeezing in the chest.
• Pain in Other Areas: Discomfort may radiate to the arms (often the left arm), jaw, neck, back, or abdomen.
• Lightheadedness or Dizziness
• Sweating
• Shortness of Breath
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Overwhelming Anxiety: This can resemble a panic attack.
• Coughing or Wheezing

While chest pain is typically the most recognized symptom, some individuals may experience only mild discomfort, akin to indigestion.

Symptoms can vary widely; some may feel short of breath, nauseous, or have pain in the back or jaw without any chest pain.

Treatment for Heart Attacks

While waiting for medical help, if the person is not allergic to aspirin, chewing and swallowing a 300mg tablet may be beneficial. Aspirin helps thin the blood and can enhance blood flow to the heart.

In the hospital, treatment varies based on the type and severity of the heart attack, with the main approaches being:

1. Medications: To dissolve blood clots.
2. Surgery: To restore blood flow to the heart.

Causes of Heart Attacks

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of heart attacks. CHD occurs when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaques.

When one of these plaques ruptures, a blood clot can form, blocking blood flow to the heart and triggering a heart attack.