Heart Attack Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Heart Attack?
A heart attack is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening. It occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart is blocked, usually due to a build-up of fatty deposits within the artery walls (atherosclerosis). When this happens, the affected area of the heart muscle starts to die and can cause severe chest pain and shortness of breath. Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death in adults worldwide; in fact, according to the American Heart Association, it’s responsible for 1 in 4 deaths in America. Risk factors for having a heart attack include high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. Smoking also increases your risk as it reduces oxygen flow and narrows arteries. People with a family history of coronary artery disease or who have had a previous heart attack are also at higher risk. The main symptom of a heart attack is chest pain that may spread to your arms and neck as well as feeling weak or lightheaded. If you experience any signs or symptoms that suggest you might be having a heart attack you should call 911 immediately. Other symptoms may include nausea, sweating and difficulty breathing. If you think you are having a heart attack it’s important to seek medical attention right away as early treatment will help prevent further damage from occurring within your cardiovascular system. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and exercising more often as well as medications such as aspirin or beta blockers which can help reduce your chances for another incident occurring. If these measures don’t work then surgery such as angioplasty or bypass grafting may be recommended by your doctor depending on severity levels and other individual factors like age etc. Preventative measures should always be taken when possible; maintaining good eating habits coupled with regular exercise will go far in reducing your risk for developing coronary artery disease which leads to most cases of heart attacks today. Additionally avoiding smoking altogether will greatly reduce risks associated with this condition so make sure to steep clear if possible.