A heart attack occurs when the heart muscle does not get the oxygenated blood supply it requires to pump effectively. The coronary arteries supply the heart with its oxygenated blood supply. When that blood supply is blocked (by either plaque build up, clot, or spasm) for more than a few minutes, the heart muscle cells suffer permanent injury which causes pain or pressure. If blood flow is not restored, heart cells can die, leaving permanent heart damage. If a large area is affected, a heart attack can be fatal.
What are signs and symptoms to look for?
Heart attacks have different signs and symptoms that vary from person to person. For example, symptoms in women and diabetics may tend to be less pronounced. Some warning signs and symptoms to be aware of are:
What are signs and symptoms to look for?
Heart attacks have different signs and symptoms that vary from person to person. For example, symptoms in women and diabetics may tend to be less pronounced. Some warning signs and symptoms to be aware of are:
- Pressure, fullness, or a squeezing discomfort in the center of your chest that may radiate to the shoulders, arms, jaw, and back, and lasts for more than a few minutes. (Angina, which has similar symptoms, goes away with rest)
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Lightheadedness, weakness, possibly even fainting
- Nausea and vomiting
- Impending sense of doom
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