Heart attack what do

A heart attack myocardial infarction or MI is a serious medical emergency in which the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. A heart attack is a medical emergency. Call and ask for an ambulance if you suspect a heart attack. A lack of blood to the heart may seriously damage the heart muscle and can be life threatening. It's important to know that not everyone experiences severe chest pain. This is particularly the case with many women.

The pain can often be mild and mistaken for indigestion. It's the combination of symptoms that's important in determining whether a person is having a heart attack and not the severity of chest pain. While waiting for an ambulance, it may help to chew and then swallow a tablet of aspirin ideally mg , as long as the person having a heart attack is not allergic to aspirin. Coronary heart disease CHD is the leading cause of heart attacks.

That's why it's important to know the symptoms of a heart attack and call if you or someone else is having them. You should call, even if you are not sure that it is a heart attack. You may also have other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and lightheadedness.

You may break out in a cold sweat. Sometimes women will have different symptoms then men. For example, they are more likely to feel tired for no reason. The most common cause of heart attacks is coronary artery disease CAD. With CAD, there is a buildup of cholesterol and other material, called plaque, on their inner walls or the arteries.

This is atherosclerosis. It can build up for years. Eventually an area of plaque can rupture break open. A blood clot can form around the plaque and block the artery.

A less common cause of heart attack is a severe spasm tightening of a coronary artery. The spasm cuts off blood flow through the artery. At the hospital, health care providers make a diagnosis based on your symptoms, blood tests, and different heart health tests. Treatments may include medicines and medical procedures such as coronary angioplasty. After a heart attack, cardiac rehabilitation and lifestyle changes can help you recover.

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