What is a Heart Attack?

by National Institute on Aging

The heart works 24 hours a day, pumping oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the body. Blood is supplied to the heart through its coronary arteries. If a blood clot suddenly blocks a coronary artery, it cuts off most or all blood supply to the heart, and a heart attack results.

Cells in the heart muscle that do not receive enough oxygen-rich blood begin to die. The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart.

Each year, more than one million people in the U.S. have a heart attack and about half - 515,000 - of them die. Half of those who die do so within one hour of the start of symptoms and before reaching the hospital.

A heart attack is an emergency. Call 9-1-1 if you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack. Prompt treatment of a heart attack can help prevent or limit damage to the heart and prevent sudden death.

It is important to call 9-1-1 because emergency personnel can give a variety of treatments and medicines at the scene. They carry drugs and equipment that can help your medical condition, including

• oxygen
• heart medications, such as nitroglycerin
• pain relief treatments, such as morphine
• defibrillators that can restart the heart if it stops beating.

If blood flow in the blocked artery can be restored quickly, permanent heart damage may be prevented. Yet, many people do not seek medical care for 2 hours or more after symptoms start.

The symptoms of a heart attack can include chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, and other symptoms.

Discomfort can occur in other areas of the upper body, including pain or numbness in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Shortness of breath often happens along with, or before chest discomfort.

Other symptoms may include breaking out in a cold sweat, having nausea and vomiting, or feeling light-headed or dizzy.

Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. In fact, if you have a second heart attack, your symptoms may not be the same as the first heart attack. Some people have no symptoms. This is called a "silent" heart attack.

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when your heart muscle does not get enough blood. Angina symptoms can be very similar to heart attack symptoms. If you have angina and notice a sudden change or worsening of your symptoms, talk with your doctor right away.

If you think you may be having a heart attack, or if your angina pain does not go away as usual when you take your angina medication as directed, call 9-1-1 for help. You can begin to receive life saving treatment in the ambulance on the way to the emergency room.

Quiz

1. In the case of a heart attack, permanent damage to the heart can be limited or prevented if

A. you get prompt treatment by calling 9-1-1 immediately.
B. the damage is treated within days of the heart attack.
C. you get rest by lying down.

A is the correct answer. You get prompt treatment by calling 9-1-1 immediately. The sooner treatment begins following the start of symptoms, the better the chances of reducing or eliminating permanent damage to the heart.

2. The warning signs of a heart attack are

A. chest discomfort or shortness of breath.
B. discomfort in other areas of the upper body like one or both arms.
C. breaking out in a cold sweat, feeling nauseous or vomiting, or feeling light-headed or dizzy.
D. all of the above

D is the correct answer. Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. Some people have no symptoms. If you think you may be having a heart attack, don't hesitate. Call 9-1-1.

3. Chest pain that can be similar to heart attack, but occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough blood is called

A. stroke.
B. indigestion.
C. angina.
D. fainting.

C is the correct answer. Angina symptoms can be very similar to heart attack symptoms. If there is a sudden worsening of angina pain, call your doctor right away.

4. It is important to call 9-1-1 because emergency personnel can give a variety of treatments and medicines at the scene, including

A. oxygen.
B. heart medications, such as nitroglycerin.
C. pain relief treatments, such as morphine.
D. all of the above

D is the correct answer. Treatment for a heart attack can begin as soon as emergency personnel arrive, even before reaching the hospital.

About the Author

www.nia.nih.gov
NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. In 1974, Congress granted authority to form NIA to provide leadership in aging research, training, health information dissemination, and other programs relevant to aging and older people.