A heart attack occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries suddenly become blocked, leading to a decrease in blood supply to the heart muscle, and in the worst cases, heart failure and death, according to the German Red Cross organisation.
The organisation further explained that risk factors leading to a heart attack include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and ageing.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of a heart attack include a pale face, severe pain behind the breastbone, pain in the left arm or shoulder, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and excessive sweating.
Moreover, symptoms can extend to tooth and jaw pain, back pain, weakness, extreme fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
It is crucial to call for emergency medical assistance immediately upon noticing these symptoms, as every minute counts in saving the patient’s life.
Prevention:
To prevent a heart attack, it is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains, while reducing sugar, salt, and fat intake, and avoiding processed foods and fast food.
Regular exercise and physical activity, weight loss efforts, and quitting smoking are also essential components of prevention.
