So we’ve all heard about heart attacks, both in the literal and hyperbolic sense, but what really are they?
What happens in a heart attack?
In a heart attack, the flow of your blood to your heart is strained or blocked. This usually happens because of the buildup of fatty substances such as cholesterol in your blood vessels. This leads to your heart not being able to function, which could be fatal.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
Some of the common symptoms are:
- Chest pain/pressure/tightness
- Cold sweats
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
Is there any way I can reduce the risk of a heart attack?
A lot of simple lifestyle changes can help reduce the chances of you experiencing a heart attack. You can start by quitting and limiting smoking and alcohol. Reducing stress and managing other conditions like diabetes, obesity, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol. This can help you reduce the amount of cholesterol in your body and your bloodstream.
What should I do in the event of a heart attack?
- Call 911 and tell them the symptoms that you notice
- Take nitroglycerin if you’ve had it prescribed
- Take aspirin if it’s been recommended to you.
If you see someone that might be having a heart attack, call 911 and make sure that help is on the way. Check if you can feel a pulse and if you can feel them breathing. If you can’t, then begin performing CPR. If you’re trained in CPR, then perform both chest compressions and rescue breaths. If you’re not, then only perform chest compressions.
If you have more questions about heart attacks or heart health in general, your primary care physician is a good place to start. If you’re looking for a primary care physician in Plano, Irving, Coppell, or Frisco, call us at 214-666-6259 or schedule an appointment in the contact tab above the post.
Author Jai Sammpath
