Heart Attacks, just like strokes, are a leading cause of death worldwide. In this post, I have highlighted the points I think are essential and easy to remember. I have also included links for further reading incase you have more questions or are interested in learning more about Heart Attacks and Heart Diseases.
That said, If you haven’t already, you should read up the previous post on strokes. It might help at certain points while reading this article and in learning about the relationship between Heart Attacks and Strokes.
So let’s get right to it.
WHAT IS A HEART ATTACK?
A Heart Attack is a condition that occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked, reduced or cut off completely.
HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?
Coronary arteries are responsible for supplying the heart muscle with it’s flow of blood. Sometimes the arteries become narrowed from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances, these substances together are called Plaque.
When a plaque within a heart ruptures, a blood clot forms around the plaque. This blood clot can block the oxygenated blood flow through the artery to the heart muscle. This interruption of blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle resulting in complications and in many cases, a Heart Attack.
Summary
A buildup of substances in the heart like fat and cholesterol aka Plaque
The Plaque ruptures and a Clot is formed
The Clot then blocks the flow of blood through the artery to the heart
Decreased flow of oxygenated blood leads to Heart Attack
While Strokes are essentially ‘Brain Attacks’ that occur when a blood vessel carrying oxygen and other nutrients to the brain ruptures or is blocked by a clot, Heart Attacks occur when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked by a blood clot. (Inova)
CAUSES OF HEART ATTACKS
- Blockage of Corona Artery: Heart Attacks as we have already explained, are caused when corona arteries are blocked. This blockage can either be complete or partial.
- Spasms of Corona Artery: Another cause of a heart attack is a spasm of a coronary artery that shuts down blood flow to part of the heart muscle (Mayo Clinic). The causes of spasms are unclear, but a severe spasm can cause a heart attack. (American Heart Association, AHA)
- Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection: This is is a spontaneous tearing of the coronary artery wall. This happens rarely. (AHA)
- Strokes: Strokes can be associated with new or worsening heart failure. (Verywellhealth)
- Covid-19: Infection with COVID-19 also may damage your heart in ways that result in a heart attack.
RISK FACTORS FOR HEART ATTACKS INCLUDE:
- Age: Men age 45 or older and women age 55 or older are more likely to have a heart attack than are younger men and women.
- Tobacco.
- High blood pressure.
- High blood cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
- Obesity.
- Diabetes.
- Family history of heart attacks.
- Lack of physical activity.
- Stress. You might respond to stress in ways that can increase your risk of a heart attack.
- Illicit drug use.
HEART ATTACK SYMPTOMS & WARNING SIGNS
There are many symptoms of Heart Attacks which include coughing, nausea, crushing chest pain, shortness of breath, face seeming gray in color e.t.c. However, there are four warning signs listed by the American Heart Association as being crucial signs of an attack. These include:
- Chest Discomfort Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
- Discomfort in other areas of the upper body Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of Breath with or without chest discomfort.
- Other Signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Note: Women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain. However, the most most common heart attack symptom for men and women is chest pain or discomfort. (AHA)
PREVENTING HEART ATTACKS
Judging by most of the risk factors mentioned, Heart Attacks can be prevented by :
Making Healthier lifestyle choices: This can include regular exercising, having a heart-healthy diet, avoiding illicit drugs, using adaptive strategies for stress management. Being informed about your family history and regularly visiting the hospital for full body check-ups might also help.
Medication Adherence: In cases where your doctor has prescribed medications to assist with maintaining your health, do well to adhere to the instructions and take your medication correctly and other clinical advice seriously.
References and Further Reading
