A heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction, arises when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood. It is a medical emergency caused by a blockage in the blood flow to the heart. Like all other muscles, the heart muscle requires a constant blood supply. When there is not enough blood flowing to the heart, the tissue of the heart becomes deprived of oxygen and dies. If not treated immediately, the heart muscle becomes weak and begins to die, and this is a heart attack. Providing emergency medical care helps prevent or reduce the extent of the damage.
Movies and dramas always show heart attacks as sudden and intense. However, most of them start slowly, with mild chest discomfort and pain. Heart attack symptoms vary between women and men. In men, the early signs include a squeezing sensation within the chest followed by upper body pain and dizziness. Women usually don’t experience any chest pain like men. Instead, they feel overwhelming fatigue, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Trust your instincts since each heart attack is different.
Heart attacks are not exclusively for the older population. It affects a considerable proportion of younger adults as well. But being physically active and following a balanced diet keeps your heart in good condition. In addition, lifestyle plays a significant role in determining a longer, healthier life.
