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Heart Attack
If this is an emergency, call 911.
Overcoming a deadly threat
Heart attacks occur when the artery sending blood and oxygen to the heart is suddenly blocked by plaque, a fatty, cholesterol deposit that builds up over time. In some cases, plaque can rupture, causing a blood clot that can also lead to a heart attack.
If you or someone around you is experiencing a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Emergency medical technicians know what to do to save a life. Many ambulances are equipped with lifesaving machines and medications that can diagnose a heart attack and stimulate the heart if it stops. The majority of heart damage occurs within the first two hours of a blockage, so getting help quickly is critical.
Symptoms
A heart attack can come with warning signs like chest pain, arm pain, or even nausea. It can also occur suddenly and without warning. Recognizing the symptoms and getting help quickly are key to recovery. The earlier the heart attack is treated, the less damage there is.
Heart attack symptoms:
- Chest ache
- Chest burning
- Chest discomfort
- Chest fullness
- Chest pressure
Other possible symptoms:
- Difficult or labored breathing
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Pain that spreads above the jawbone or into the lower body
- Sharp or “knife-like” pain that occurs with coughing or breathing
- Sweating
- Weakness
Women may have different symptoms:
- Feel drained, dizzy, or nauseous
- Stomach pain that feels like the flu, heartburn, or an ulcer
- Unexplained exhaustion
- Upper back pain that travels up into their jaw
In addition, men may feel pain and numbness in the left arm or the side of the chest, and women’s symptoms may be on the right side.
Know if you’re at risk
Having cardiovascular disease may increase the risk for Acute Coronary Syndrome or a heart attack.
Risk factors include:
Diabetes, metabolic disease, or other illnesses
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Overweight or obese
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Using tobacco products
For women, it can also include:
Taking birth control pills
- Gestational diabetes
- Having a low-birthweight baby
- History of pre-eclampsia
The American College of Cardiology has a tool to estimate your level of risk for a heart attack. It’s quick, simple, and informative.
Hands-only CPR can save someone's life
When someone's heart suddenly stops, CPR can keep blood and oxygen circulating to their vital organs until a paramedic or defibrillator arrives. Knowing hands-only CPR could help save a life in an emergency.
Two-step instructions:
- Call 911
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest
For more information, visit the American Heart Association.
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Whether you’re at risk for a heart attack or you’ve survived one, our team of experts is here to support you.
