The heart, a vital muscular organ, is located in the rib cage, slightly to the left of the chest’s midline. This powerhouse contracts around 100,000 times daily, pumping approximately 8,000 liters of blood throughout the body. In men, the heart weighs about 340 grams, while in women, it weighs between 300 and 320 grams. Any disruption in the heart’s structure can lead to various heart conditions, including valve diseases, myocardial disorders, coronary artery-related issues like heart attacks, or inflammatory heart diseases.
Heart attacks and strokes rank among the leading causes of death globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2030, cardiovascular diseases will claim 23.6 million lives annually.
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, medically termed myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is obstructed due to a blockage or severe narrowing of the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart. Every moment the heart tissue is deprived of adequate blood flow increases the risk of irreversible damage.
A sudden blockage in the coronary arteries can prevent the heart muscle from receiving sufficient oxygen, leading to tissue damage. Fatty substances like cholesterol accumulate on the arterial walls, forming plaques. Over time, these plaques grow, narrowing the arteries and sometimes cracking. Blood clots can form in these cracks or plaques can break off, completely blocking the artery and triggering a heart attack. Without prompt and proper intervention, the heart tissue begins to die, reducing the heart’s pumping efficiency and potentially leading to heart failure. In Türkiye alone, 200,000 people die from heart attacks each year, a figure nearly 30 times higher than deaths from traffic accidents.
12 Signs of a Heart Attack
The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain, often described as a heavy, pressing sensation, as if someone is sitting on the chest. This pain can radiate to the left arm, neck, shoulders, abdomen, jaw, and back, typically lasting 10 to 15 minutes. Rest or medications containing nitrates, which dilate the coronary arteries, may alleviate the pain. Other symptoms include distress, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, and irregular heart rhythms. The presentation of heart attack symptoms can vary, particularly in women.
The symptoms of a heart attack can be summarized as follows:
- Chest Pain, Pressure, or Discomfort: Most heart attack patients report chest pain or discomfort, though not everyone experiences this. Some describe a squeezing sensation in the chest, which may come and go. These symptoms often indicate that the heart muscle is not receiving enough oxygen and require immediate medical attention.
- Referred Pain: Chest pain can radiate to other parts of the body, such as the left arm, shoulders, back, neck, or jaw. Women may also experience pain in the lower abdomen or lower chest. Upper back pain is more common in women than in men.
- Sweating: Excessive sweating, unrelated to physical activity, can signal heart problems. Some individuals may experience cold sweats.
- Fatigue: The intense stress of a heart attack can cause extreme tiredness and weakness. Fatigue and shortness of breath are more common in women and may persist for months before the attack.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing is a key symptom, as the heart struggles to pump enough blood during a crisis.
- Dizziness: Lightheadedness and dizziness are common in women during a heart attack and should not be ignored.
- Palpitations: A rapid or irregular heartbeat, often accompanied by anxiety, is a common symptom. Some people may feel palpitations in their neck as well.
- Digestive Problems: Indigestion or heartburn can sometimes mask heart attack symptoms, so caution is advised.
- Swelling in the Legs, Feet, and Ankles: Fluid retention can cause swelling in the lower extremities, often a sign of worsening heart failure.
- Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat: Fast or irregular heartbeats, especially when accompanied by fatigue or shortness of breath, require immediate attention.
- Cough: A persistent cough, sometimes with blood, can indicate a heart attack due to fluid buildup in the lungs.
- Sudden Weight Changes: Rapid weight gain or loss can increase the risk of a heart attack. Middle-aged individuals who gain 10% or more of their body weight in a short period are at higher risk.
Heart Attack Symptoms in Women
While men are generally at higher risk for heart disease and may experience heart attacks at a younger age, women often present with non-classic symptoms. These can include prolonged fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and upper back pain. Awareness of these symptoms is crucial for early detection.
What are the Types of Heart Attacks?
Heart attacks, also known as acute coronary syndrome (ACS), are categorized into three types: STEMI, NSTEMI, and coronary spasm (unstable angina). STEMI involves a complete blockage of a coronary artery, leading to significant heart tissue damage. NSTEMI, on the other hand, involves a partial blockage and does not show ST-segment elevation on an ECG. Both STEMI and NSTEMI are serious conditions that can cause substantial harm to the heart.
Coronary spasm, or unstable angina, is a less obvious form of heart attack. It occurs when the coronary arteries contract, reducing blood flow. While it may not cause permanent damage, it increases the risk of future heart attacks.
What are the Causes of a Heart Attack?
The primary cause of a heart attack is the buildup of fatty plaques in the coronary arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Other causes include blood clots or ruptures in the arteries. Several risk factors contribute to this condition:
- Smoking: Smoking significantly increases the risk of a heart attack, with smokers being three times more likely to experience one.
- High LDL Cholesterol: Elevated levels of “bad” cholesterol raise the risk of heart attacks. Avoiding high-cholesterol foods like red meat, fried foods, and full-fat dairy products can help reduce this risk.
- Diabetes: Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of heart attacks due to vascular damage and increased blood clotting.
- High Blood Pressure: Elevated blood pressure strains the heart and increases the risk of a heart attack.
- Age: As people age, their arteries become more prone to damage, increasing the risk of heart attacks.
- Gender: Men and postmenopausal women are at higher risk due to the protective effects of estrogen in premenopausal women.
- Obesity: Excess weight contributes to vascular dysfunction and increases the risk of heart attacks.
- Family History: A family history of heart attacks increases an individual’s risk.
- Inflammatory Markers: Elevated levels of substances like C-reactive protein and homocysteine are associated with a higher risk of heart attacks.
How is a Heart Attack Diagnosed?
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the first tests used to diagnose a heart attack. It records the heart’s electrical activity and can reveal abnormalities. Blood tests may also be conducted to detect elevated levels of proteins like troponin, which indicate heart muscle damage.
Imaging tests such as chest X-rays, echocardiograms, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to assess the heart’s condition. Angiography is a crucial diagnostic and treatment tool, allowing doctors to visualize blocked arteries and perform interventions like angioplasty or stent placement.
What are the Treatment Methods for a Heart Attack?
A heart attack is a medical emergency, and immediate treatment is essential. Most deaths occur within the first few hours after an attack, so prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical. Emergency treatments include blood-thinning medications and procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery.
Long-term management involves lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Regular check-ups and adherence to prescribed medications are also vital for preventing future heart attacks.
In conclusion, heart attacks are life-threatening events that require immediate attention. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options can save lives and improve outcomes for those at risk.