Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
Manatee Memorial Hospital and its Heart and Vascular Center are dedicated to cardiac care through the awareness and prevention of heart disease. The importance of recognizing the signs of a possible heart attack and advocating for preventive measures all help reduce the risk of heart disease. Our goal is to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to maintain a healthy heart and respond effectively in case of an emergency.
What Is a heart attack?
A heart attack most commonly results from fatty buildups (atherosclerosis) in the arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle. Plaque buildup narrows the inside of the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow. If plaque in a coronary (heart) artery ruptures, a blood clot can form and further block the blood flow. When it completely stops blood flow to part of the heart muscle, a heart attack occurs. Then the section of the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die. Damage increases the longer an artery stays blocked. In some cases, it may even die. Once muscle dies, the result is permanent heart damage. The amount of damage to the heart muscle depends on the size of the area supplied by the blocked artery and the time between the injury and treatment. The blocked artery should be opened as soon as possible to reduce heart damage.
What are the warning signs of a possible heart attack?
Atherosclerosis develops over time. It often has no symptoms until there is enough damage to lessen the blood flow to the heart muscle. You should know the warning signs of a heart attack so you can get help right away, either for yourself or someone close to you. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense, but most start slowly with mild pain or discomfort. Some of the signs of a possible heart attack include:
• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest (lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back)
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw or stomach
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• Cold sweat
• Nausea
• Lightheadedness
What care is needed after a heart attack?
Depending on the extent of your heart attack and the treatment you receive, you may only be in the hospital a few days. When you return home, your heart muscle will continue to heal, but your recovery is just beginning. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations about your weight, diet, physical activity, medicine and other lifestyle changes. This will give you a better chance at improving your health and avoiding future attacks.
If you are eligible, your healthcare provider will recommend a cardiac rehabilitation program in your area. Cardiac rehab is a medically supervised program designed to improve your cardiovascular health. It has three equally important parts: exercise counseling and training, education for heart-healthy living, and counseling to reduce stress.
How can you reduce your risk of a heart attack?
Even if you have heart disease, there is a lot you can do to improve your heart health. Work with your healthcare provider to set goals to reduce your risk:
• Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke
• Treat high blood pressure if you have it
• Eat a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated and trans fats, sodium (salt) and added sugars
• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week
• Reach and maintain a healthy weight
• Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes
• See your doctor for regular check-ups
• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed
If you or someone you are with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, immediately call 911 or the emergency response number (fire department or ambulance) in your area. Get to the nearest emergency room right away.
Find out if you are at risk for heart disease. Take our Health Risk Assessment now
For more information, visit manateememorial.com/heart or call (941) 745-6874.
Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Manatee Memorial Hospital. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. For language assistance, disability accommodations and the nondiscrimination notice, visit our website.
