UNIVERSAL HEALTH: Heart Attacks

This article will discuss the definition of coronary heart disease, the definition of a heart attack, common causes of a heart attack, risk factors of heart disease, signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and how to respond to someone having a heart attack.

Coronary Heart Disease is a disease of the blood vessels that supply the heart with blood. It is abbreviated as CHD. According to the American Heart Association, it is the number one killer of male and female Americans.

The conditions of coronary heart disease include heart attacks, chest pain (angina), and atherosclerosis, which is when fatty deposits block the blood vessels.

The heart is an organ made of muscle, and has a job of being the body’s pump. The heart pumps blood to lungs so blood can pick up the oxygen in it. The oxygen rich blood then gets pumped through the rest of the body, which is also known as circulation.

Circulation provides oxygen and other nutrients to the body helping the cells stay healthy. This process also carries waste products from the cells to be eliminated from the body. In order to accomplish this, a large network of coronary vessels that keep it supplied with oxygen and nutrients.

A heart attack is possible when a vessel becomes blocked. The blood flow to that area of the heart is decreased, which causes damage to that portion of the heart. A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction, or an MI. It is an interruption in the blood flow to the heart.

• Build up of fatty acids
• Blood clot developed in the vessel
• Spasm of the coronary vessels

• People 65 year and older, although it can happen to any age
• Race
• Family History
• Chronic disease (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol)
• Lifestyle factors (smoking, obesity, unhealthy diet, excessive alcohol intake, lack of physical activity)

• Chest pain, pressure, squeezing or tightness
• Jaw, neck, arms or back pain
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea/vomiting
• Pale and cool skin
• Perspiration
• Indigestion
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Loss of consciousness

Not all symptoms are experienced by everyone. It is possible to experience symptoms for a month or more before the acute heart attack occurs.

• Prompt treatment is critical to decrease heart damage and improves the victim's chance of survival.
• Call for help immediately
• If person is conscious, have them sit or lie down and move as little as possible to use the least amount of oxygen possible.
• Elevate his or her head to make breathing easier
• Stay as calm as possible to decrease victim’s anxiety
• Do not give anything by mouth such as food or liquids. Aspirin may reduce severity of the clot, but do not administer unless advised to do so by a medical professional.
• If loss of consciousness occurs, put patient on his or her back and assess CPR, Airway, Breathing and Circulation.