What is a heart attack?
More than 1 million Americans have heart attacks each year. A heart attack causes permanent damage to the heart muscle.
The coronary arteries provide the heart muscle with a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood. Within a short time of a coronary artery becoming blocked by plaque or a blood clot, death of heart muscle cells occurs, causing permanent damage. This is called a myocardial infarction, or heart attack.
Is chest pain the only symptom of a heart attack?
Chest pain or discomfort is the most common sign of a heart attack. Most heart attacks involve uncomfortable pressure, fullness or pressure in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
Although chest pain is the most common sign of a heart attack, other symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Pain in either or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
- Paleness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
What should be done when someone may be having a heart attack?
Time is of the essence if you think you are having a heart attack. If you or someone you’re with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other symptoms, you should:
- Stop whatever you’re doing.
- Sit or lie down.
- Take an aspirin if you are not allergic.
It is important not to wait longer than 5 minutes before calling 9-1-1. |
