What is a Heart Attack and How Can You Reduce Your Risk

A heart attack is also known as a myocardial infarction (MI), and accounts for around 10% of all deaths and over half of all sudden deaths. Over a million people a year are suffering from heart attacks, and around 50% of these die within the first year post-MI. High risk groups are those over 50 years of age. A heart attack is caused by a clot in a major artery which blocks oxygen and blood supply to the heart, and therefore results in death of part of the heart muscle. It is extremely important to recognise the signs of a heart attack as treatment is more successful the earlier it is given, and must be given within 12 hours for a favourable response.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Chest pain- central crushing unbearable chest pain which persists for a long period of time.

Pain also spreads to other parts of the body especially the neck, shoulders and arms. One may also experience numbness in the jaw area.

Other signs present are shortness of breath, dizziness and collapse due to lack of oxygen. Patient may appear sweaty and pale, and be vomiting, anxious, and have an irregular heartbeat.

The problem is that these signs are not identical in everyone who has a heart attack, and indeed some people will experience more symptoms than others. Unfortunately some people may not have any symptoms at all and therefore may not seek treatment until it is too late. A MI can also be misdiagnosed as indigestion, so therefore an electrocardiogram and a troponin blood test are used to confirm a suspected MI.

It is important if you experience any of these signs to see a clinician urgently.

Steps to Decrease Risk

• If you are a smoker you should quit. Quitting greatly decreases risk.
• Lower high blood pressure. You can do this by taking relevant medication for hypertension, through suitable weight loss and exercise.
• Reduce high cholesterol levels and low density lipoprotein levels by cutting out fatty foods such as chocolate, crisps, and cakes, and eating products low in saturated fat such as oily fish.
• Diabetics are at an increased risk and therefore they should aim to maintain glucose control and lose weight.
• Reduce stress. This can be done through practices such as yoga or other exercise.
• If you are overweight lose weight. Follow a healthy diet and exercise in order to achieve a healthy weight.
• If you do not exercise you should start and aim for a brisk 30 minute walk five times a week. Exercise has many benefits.