Over a million Americans will suffer a heart attack each year. While over half of the victims will die, the survivors will be forced to live with permanent heart damage. The important factor that must be considered, when someone is experiencing heart attack symptoms is immediate medical treatment. If treatment is not rendered immediately the risks of death will increase with every minute that passes.
If you reside with someone, who has been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, you should immediately arm yourself with all the information that you can possibly find about this condition. Most heart attacks are linked to a coronary thrombosis (blood clot), which will block the oxygen rich blood flow from reaching the heart.
Inadequate oxygen enriched blood flow to the heart will lead to arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and the most common type is atrial fibrillation. Anticoagulants or blood thinners are prescribed to treat A-fib.
The symptoms of a heart attack include angina (chest pain), pressure or discomfort on the left side of the chest. While the symptoms may subside after a few minutes, they will reappear. The victim may also experience radiating pain, which may involve the left side of the neck, jaw, upper back, abdomen, and both arms. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) is very common and may be linked to the inadequate blood supply to the lungs. Nausea, vomiting, vertigo (dizziness), and fatigue are also symptoms that the victim may or may not experience.
If you or someone else exhibits signs of a heart attack, you should immediately dial 911. If treatment is not rendered within 1-2 hours, death may be inevitable. It is important to get regular checkups, so your physician will run several diagnostic tests, which will determine if you are suffering from cardiovascular disease.
Coronary heart disease is a condition that involves plaque build-up in the coronary arteries. If a piece of the plaque breaks off from the artery, it can travel to the lungs or heart. The clot will cause a blockage of blood flow to the heart, which will lead to a heart attack.
The most common cause of heart disease is cigarette smoking. Illicit drug use such as cocaine is another factor that is linked to coronary artery spasms, which can lead to a heart attack. Other causes are extreme anxiety, hypothermia, obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, and severe pain.
By losing weight the healthy way with a diet and exercise regimen will decrease your risks of cardiovascular diseases. If you need a boost in attempting to lose weight or just to get started working out daily, you should lean on your friends and family for moral support.
Source by Gil Downey