Newswise — Each year, more than a million persons in the United States have a heart attack and about 515,000 of them die. About one-half of those who die do so within one hour of the start of symptoms and before reaching the hospital.1
A heart attack occurs when a clot forms in a coronary artery abruptly blocking the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. In some cases, this blockage can lead to an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat or rhythm) that causes a severe decrease in the pumping function of the heart, which results in sudden death. Prompt application of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can prolong life for several minutes until defibrillation (electrical shock), and prompt advanced cardiac life support procedures are available. The large number of lay persons learning CPR and the availability of public access defibrillators (also called AEDs), in areas such as airports and public buildings has markedly contributed to saving lives of those suffering an acute heart attack.
In cases where the blockage persists and is not rapidly treated, the affected heart muscle will die. The best chance to save the heart is to seek help immediately so that physicians can restore blood flow either using clot-busting drugs, or by blowing up a small balloon in the coronary artery at the site of the blockage. Unfortunately, most people do not seek medical care for two hours or more after symptoms begin. Many people wait 12 hours or longer.
While symptoms vary from person to person, typical warning signs for a heart attack include:"¢ Chest pain or discomfort that lasts more than just a few minutes. It often goes away and comes back, in a stuttering fashion over many hours. "¢ Shortness of breath"¢ Breaking out in a cold sweat and/or nausea Women, diabetics, and the elderly are more likely to experience the following symptoms that are more atypical."¢ Discomfort that mimics indigestion with an uncomfortable pressure or squeezing, leading people to think that it is just a stomach problem. This may even be accompanied by nausea and vomiting."¢ Pain or discomfort in upper body, arms, back, neck, jaw or abdominal area"¢ Shortness of breath without chest discomfort"¢ Weakness or lightheadedness"¢ Confusion
People who have had an attack say that the reasons for delaying the call for medical help include: not recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack, thinking the discomfort was indigestion, unwillingness to believe the seriousness of the symptoms and being embarrassed if the perceived heart attack turns out to be a false alarm. No one can accurately diagnose a heart attack until certain tests like an electrocardiogram (EKG) are performed. Therefore, it is important to have suspicious symptoms checked out rapidly.
If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort and one or more of the other symptoms, call 911 immediately—wait no longer than five minutes. Don't wait for the person having symptoms to agree. Take charge to make sure the person is examined sooner rather than later!
Talk to your doctor about the symptoms of a heart attack. Find out if you are at high risk for a heart attack, and make yourself a survival plan—before you need it. American Heart Month is an appropriate time to note the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) continues research aimed at learning more about heart disease and developing new treatments. Current studies and clinical trials are underway to improve coronary artery bypass surgery, understand how the heart rebuilds itself after a heart attack, and learn if certain vitamins play a role in reducing the chances of developing heart disease.
For more information on heart disease, visit the VA Web site http://www.vaprevention.com and click on Monthly Prevention Topics or contact your local VA Medical Center.
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