Every year 1.1 million American men and women suffer a heart attack, and 515, million of them die. For people with risk factors of heart disease, knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack are key to survival.
Heart attack occurs when blood flowing into the heart is blocked or interrupted. Heart tissues are then deprived of oxygen and quickly begin to die.
Generally this is caused by atherosclerosis -the buildup of fatty plaque that clogs the arteries and leads to heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Risk factors for heart attack include:
High blood pressure Overweight or obesity
High cholesterol Sedentary lifestyle
Diabetes Increased age
Smoking Family history
Immediate Treatment is Critical in a Heart Attack
Know the warning signs:
Heart attacks generally begin with only mild pain, but they can progress very quickly. If there is any question that symptoms may be related to a heart attack, call 9-1-1
Chest pain-Squeezing, fullness, pain or pressure in the chest that either stays more than a few minutes or starts and stops for a period of time.
Pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
Shortness of breath-Difficulty either before or during chest pain.
Nausea and cold sweats
Weakness, fatigue or light-headedness
People with any of the risk factors for heart attack should consult a physician about preparing for a heart attack. To control and prevent heart attacks, recommendations include:
Treating existing heart conditions: If diagnosed with heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or other conditions, taking care of the current problems can lessen the likelihood of developing new problems.
Do not smoke.
Eat a healthy diet: Meals should be rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables, with low salt, sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight: If overweight or obese, use a physician-recommended plan to lose excess weight. Physical activity strengthens the muscles throughout the body, including muscles in the heart.
Consult a physician about medication: If diagnosed, there are medications
available that may help control existing conditions and lessen the likelihood of a heart attack.
Limit alcohol consumption: If you drink alcohol drink in moderation: one drink per day for women, two drinks per day for men.
Lifestyle Choices
The risk of heart attack can be reduced greatly by lifestyle choices not smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting medical attention for current problems.
For additional information:
American heart Association
Weight Watcher International
Eat Right Org
This article was developed to provide education; it is not intended as medical advice for conditions or treatment. Talk to your doctor before following any treatment regime to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Compiled by Rashun Jones, RN MHR--from OU Medical Center Health Tips.
Generally this is caused by atherosclerosis -the buildup of fatty plaque that clogs the arteries and leads to heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Risk factors for heart attack include:
High blood pressure Overweight or obesity
High cholesterol Sedentary lifestyle
Diabetes Increased age
Smoking Family history
Immediate Treatment is Critical in a Heart Attack
Know the warning signs:
Heart attacks generally begin with only mild pain, but they can progress very quickly. If there is any question that symptoms may be related to a heart attack, call 9-1-1
Chest pain-Squeezing, fullness, pain or pressure in the chest that either stays more than a few minutes or starts and stops for a period of time.
Pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach
Shortness of breath-Difficulty either before or during chest pain.
Nausea and cold sweats
Weakness, fatigue or light-headedness
People with any of the risk factors for heart attack should consult a physician about preparing for a heart attack. To control and prevent heart attacks, recommendations include:
Treating existing heart conditions: If diagnosed with heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or other conditions, taking care of the current problems can lessen the likelihood of developing new problems.
Do not smoke.
Eat a healthy diet: Meals should be rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables, with low salt, sodium, saturated fat and cholesterol.
Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight: If overweight or obese, use a physician-recommended plan to lose excess weight. Physical activity strengthens the muscles throughout the body, including muscles in the heart.
Consult a physician about medication: If diagnosed, there are medications
available that may help control existing conditions and lessen the likelihood of a heart attack.
Limit alcohol consumption: If you drink alcohol drink in moderation: one drink per day for women, two drinks per day for men.
Lifestyle Choices
The risk of heart attack can be reduced greatly by lifestyle choices not smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly and getting medical attention for current problems.
For additional information:
American heart Association
Weight Watcher International
Eat Right Org
This article was developed to provide education; it is not intended as medical advice for conditions or treatment. Talk to your doctor before following any treatment regime to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Compiled by Rashun Jones, RN MHR--from OU Medical Center Health Tips.
No comments:
Post a Comment