What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack also called a myocardial infarction occurs when the flow of blood that brings oxygen to the heart muscle is blocked. This blockage is often caused by a build-up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances collectively known as plaque.

What are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?

Not all people experience the same symptoms of heart attack or have the same severity of symptoms. Some people might have mild pain while others have more severe pain. Some people, in fact, do not present any symptoms at all.

However, common symptoms of Heart Attack include the following-

1. Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back
2. Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, or abdominal pain
3. Shortness of breath
4. Cold sweat
5. Fatigue
6. Light-headedness or sudden dizziness

What to do in an emergency?

GNRC Hospitals has the best Cardiology department in the state led by famous Cardiologist Dr. Anup Kr. Boro and a team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons deliver advanced cardiac care, in the most affordable way to its patients.

The department of Cardiac science is well equipped to handle untimely heart emergencies like heart attack, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and many more. 

• Try to keep the person calm, and have them sit or lie down.
• If you can't get an ambulance or emergency vehicle to come to you, you can have a neighbour or a friend drive you to the nearest hospital.
• Begin CPR if the person is unconscious. If the person is not breathing or you don't find a pulse, begin CPR to keep the blood flowing after you call for emergency medical help.

A heart attack is a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate action. Do not ignore even the minor heart attack symptoms.  A heart attack can be fatal, but timely treatment can help save lives. Some heart attacks strike suddenly, but a lot of people have warning signs and symptoms hours, days, or even weeks in advance. Immediate treatment lessens heart damage and can save lives.

Also Read: Cardiovascular Diseases: Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment