A heart attack is a serious medical emergency that happens when the heart’s supply of oxygen-rich blood gets blocked, leading to potential damage or death of heart muscle tissue. The typical symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, nausea, sweating, shortness of breath, and discomfort in other parts of the upper body. Receiving immediate medical attention is critical if a heart attack is suspected.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death globally, accounting for over 17.9 million deaths annually. Out of these, 7.4 million deaths are caused by coronary artery disease, and strokes account for more than 6 million deaths. It’s further estimated that over 20 million people suffer from heart attacks each year worldwide.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that someone experiences a heart attack approximately every 40 seconds, and someone dies from a heart attack roughly every minute. The American Heart Association (AHA) states that one in every four deaths in the US is due to heart attacks. Moreover, the AHA estimates the total direct and indirect costs associated with cardiovascular disease in the US surpass $316 billion annually.
Heart attacks are a major cause of death and disability globally. Increasing awareness and effectively managing risk factors are vital steps to mitigating the risk and reducing mortality rates associated with heart attacks.
What Causes a Heart Attack?
The main cause of a heart attack is the blockage of one or more coronary arteries, which hinders the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. This blockage often results from the gradual buildup of plaque within the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow.
Other risk factors that contribute to plaque buildup include:
- High cholesterol levels
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Family history of cardiovascular disease or stroke
Certain medications, such as steroids, can also increase the risk of experiencing a cardiac event like a myocardial infarction (MI).
It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms associated with potential cardiac events, such as:
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sweating and lightheadedness
How to Respond to a Heart Attack
If you suspect that you or someone else is experiencing a heart attack, it is imperative to call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
If you’re with someone having a heart attack, help them sit down and try to keep them calm. If they have any prescribed medications, bring those along to the hospital. If they are not allergic to aspirin, have them chew and swallow one while waiting for emergency responders.
During a heart attack, a doctor may perform an emergency procedure known as angioplasty to open blocked blood vessels.
In addition, lifestyle changes and medications can help lower the risk of heart attacks. These interventions include quitting smoking, exercising regularly, adopting a healthy diet, and managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.