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Introduction
What is a Heart Attack?
Risk Factors
Warning Signs and Symptoms
How Can I Prevent a Heart Attack?
Useful Links
Myocardial infarction (MI) is also known as a heart attack. In a 2006 report by the American Heart Association, it was estimated that 1,200,000 Americans will have a new or recurrent attack this year. In addition, Americans will experience an estimated 175,000 silent first heart attacks this year. The average age for men to experience a first heart attack is 65.8 years, and for women the average age is 70.4 years. It is important to remember that a heart attack is an emergency situation, and anyone experiencing heart attack symptoms should seek prompt medical care by calling 911.
The American Heart Association has produced a detailed report on heart disease statistics, including myocardial infarction. You can read it here:
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What is a Heart Attack?
Heart attacks occur when blood and oxygen, responsible for supplying an area of the heart muscle, are blocked, usually by a clot in a coronary artery. This blockage can lead to arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat or rhythm. Arrhythmias cause a large decrease in the heart's ability to pump blood. This can either lead to death, or heart muscle being replaced by scar tissue if treatment is not received in a few hours.
Risk Factors
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Age (Men over age 45 and Women over age 55)
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Family History of Early Onset Heart Disease
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Personal History of Coronary Artery Disease
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Smoking
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High Blood Pressure
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High Blood Cholesterol
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Obesity
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Being Physically Inactive
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Diabetes (High Blood Sugar)
Warning Signs and Symptoms
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Chest discomfort (may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain)
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Discomfort in other areas of the upper body (arms, back, neck, jaw, stomach)
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Shortness of breath
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Other symptoms: cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, feeling light headed and dizzy, feelings of indigestion or heartburn
How Can I Prevent a Heart Attack?
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Lessen your number of risk factors
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Make lifestyle changes: eat a healthy diet to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and to maintain a healthy weight; quit smoking; exercise; lose weight if you are overweight or obese
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Treat related conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and high blood sugar
Useful Links:
This site provides a general overview of heart disease, including some helpful links, and is maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
Provides a wealth of heart attack information, including helpful information on how to reduce your chances of a heart attack.
The American Heart Association is dedicated to heart health and provides a lot of useful information. Many heart-healthy recipes can be found on the site as well.
This site provides a general overview of the specifics of a heart attack.
A wealth of heart-healthy recipes from the American Heart Association.
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