Heart attack how does it start

Anyone experiencing any of the above heart attack symptoms should contact emergency services immediately. Several factors can put you at risk for a heart attack. However, you can make changes related to modifiable factors. Also, if you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes, you may have a higher risk of having a heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among most ethnic and racial groups in the United States and the most common cause of heart attacks.

It accounts for Both figures are marginally higher than the overall population level of Doctors typically diagnose a heart attack after they perform a physical exam and review your medical history. Your doctor may order a cardiac catheterization. This is a probe that doctors insert into your blood vessels through a flexible tube called a catheter. It allows your doctor to view areas where plaque may have built up.

They can also inject dye into your arteries, order an X-ray to see how the blood flows, and view any blockages. Procedures can relieve pain and help prevent another heart attack from occurring.

Your doctor may also prescribe medications to treat your heart attack, including:. Since heart attacks are often unexpected, an emergency room doctor is usually the first to treat them. Alternative treatments and lifestyle changes can improve your heart health and reduce your risk of a heart attack. A nutrient-rich, balanced diet and health-promoting lifestyle are essential in maintaining a healthy heart. If you are with someone experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, you should call emergency services immediately.

The sooner a person can get emergency medical help, the less damage their heart muscles will sustain. If you have training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR , it may be beneficial to start this. Giving CPR can keep someone alive until emergency services arrive. Heart attacks can result in various complications. These abnormal rhythms are known as arrhythmias.

When your heart stops getting a supply of blood during the heart attack, some of the tissue can die. This can weaken the heart and later cause life-threatening conditions such as heart failure. Heart attacks can also affect your heart valves and cause leaks. The amount of time it takes to receive treatment and the area of damage will determine the long-term effects on your heart. A heart attack can damage your heart muscles and impact their function. See the stories of satisfied Mayo Clinic patients.

This is her heart health story. I struggled with my weight for most of my life. I never really gave a lot of thought to being healthy or unhealthy , or about how my weight and lifestyle played a role in my future health.

But a little over 16 years ago, I had a heart attack. Back then, at…. Greg VanBellinger knew from family history that he was at risk for heart disease, but as a fitness enthusiast who stayed on top of his medical appointments, he believed his heart was in good shape.

An offhand decision to participate in a fitness evaluation at Mayo Clinic, however, revealed that Greg's heart was not as [ Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Overview Heart attack Open pop-up dialog box Close. Heart attack A heart attack occurs when an artery supplying your heart with blood and oxygen becomes blocked. More Information Heart attack symptoms. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information Heart attack prevention: Should I avoid secondhand smoke?

What is meant by the term "heart age"? Impromptu Evaluation Uncovers Life-Threatening Heart Disease Greg VanBellinger knew from family history that he was at risk for heart disease, but as a fitness enthusiast who stayed on top of his medical appointments, he believed his heart was in good shape. Share on: Facebook Twitter.

Show references Heart attack. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed May 1, Reeder GS, et al. Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. About heart attacks. American Heart Association. Cardiac rehabilitation: Indications adult. Mayo Clinic; Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Department of Health and Human Services. Accessed April 28, Percutaneous coronary intervention. Heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest: How are they different? The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.

Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint. You may also break out into a cold sweat. Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders. Shortness of breath. This often comes along with chest discomfort, but shortness of breath also can happen before chest discomfort.

What are the risk factors for heart attack? What can I do to recover after a heart attack? Heart disease and stroke statistics— update: a report from the American Heart Association. NCHS data brief, no. Accessed May 9, Get Email Updates. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Email Address. What's this? Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.