A heart attack happens when the heart does not get enough blood supply for a period of time. Part or all of the heart muscle dies.
Signs & Symptoms
A heart attack may have warning signs. (See below). It can occur without signs, too. This is called a “silent” heart attack.
Causes
- The most common cause is one or more blood clots that block an artery in the heart. Often, a blood clot forms in an artery already narrowed by plaque.
- Having a heart attack in the past increases the risk for another one.
- Spasms occur in the large coronary artery. This can be triggered by: Heavy physical exertion, such as shoveling snow; exposure to cold; severe emotional stress; and having a heavy meal. These triggers are more likely to affect persons who are not active.
- Cocaine or amphetamine abuse can cause a sudden heart attack. This can happen in persons with no signs of heart disease.
Common Warning Signs
Feeling of pain (may spread to or be felt in the arm, neck, tooth, jaw, or back), tightness, burning, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest. This lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
Chest discomfort with:
- Fainting
- Feeling lightheaded
- NauseaShortness of breath
- Sweating
Other Warning Signs:
- Unusual chest, abdominal, or stomach pain
- Dizziness; nausea; trouble breathing; jaw or arm pain without chest pain
- Fast or uneven heartbeat or pulse
- Sweating for no reason, pale, gray, or clammy skin.
Signs More Likely in Women Than Men:
- An uneasy feeling in the chest with:
- Unexplained or extreme anxiety
- Unusual fatigue or weakness
- Fluttering heartbeats
- Severe indigestion that doesn’t go away with an antacid.
Note: If any of these signs occur, call 9-1-1. Then, give “First Aid for a Heart Attack Before Emergency Care” listed below.
First Aid for a Heart Attack Before Emergency Care
- Check for a response. Do CPR, as needed.
- If the person uses and has nitroglycerin, place one tablet under the tongue. Give as many as 3 tablets in 10 minutes.
- Give the person a regular (325 mg.) aspirin or 4 children’s chewable aspirins (81 mg. each) to chew on. Give the aspirin after calling 9-1-1. Ask the 9-1-1 dispatcher if aspirin should be taken. {Note: Don’t use aspirin if the person is allergic to it or has a condition that makes using it risky.}
- If you can’t call 9-1-1, drive the person to the hospital right away. If you are having heart attack signs, don’t drive yourself unless you have no other choice.
- Loosen clothing around the neck, chest, and waist. Don’t let the person lie down, especially if he or she has breathing problems. A half-sitting position is better. Put the legs up. Bend them at the knees. Put a pillow or rolled towel under the knees. Support the back.
- Reassure the person that you have called for medical help and will stay with him or her until it arrives.
- After a heart attack, follow the doctor’s treatment plan.