Taking Care of Your Heart: Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Concern

February 14, 2024

Keep your heart strong - Understanding the Signs of a Heart Attack Help Prevent Lasting Damage.

Categories: Blog Posts, Healthy Living, Heart Health

A heart attack occurs when there is a disruption in the flow of blood to the muscle tissue that makes your heart beat

On TV, someone having a heart attack usually grabs their chest and falls to the floor. That’s true in some cases, but far more often, most heart attacks in the real world start with tiredness or mild discomfort. Then they get worse – sometimes slowly, quickly – but always putting the patient’s life at risk unless they get care. Fast.

What is a heart attack?

When the flow of blood to the muscle tissue responsible for your heartbeat is disrupted, your life is in danger. The heart's muscle tissue relies on a steady supply of blood through arteries, and any interruption in this flow can lead to the dysfunction and even death of portions of your heart muscle. Experiencing a heart attack may feel like an overwhelming feeling of pressure, heaviness, or a squeezing sensation in the chest area.

What triggers the blockage of a heart artery?

Typically, it stems from a blood clot originating from a small tear on the inner wall of an artery. Inflammation and cholesterol then accumulate at the site, forming a plaque. As this plaque grows, it restricts blood flow, putting strain on the heart muscle and resulting in angina pain. Eventually, the plaque ruptures, and a blood clot may form, completely obstructing the artery and leading to a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Chest pressure, burning, aching, squeezing
Feeling of fullness
Excessive fatigue or weakness
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath

Pain that travels down one or both arms
Jaw pain
Anxiety
Back pain

Frequently, women experience less severe and more generalized symptoms than men.

When symptoms arise, don’t wait: Call 911. Every second counts.

What are the risk factors?

Elevated blood pressure: Hypertension causes harm to blood vessels and it’s the leading cause of heart attack and stroke.
Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to damage in various delicate tissues, including the lining of blood vessels throughout the body.
Tobacco Use (Smoking/vaping): The toxins present in smoke are a leading cause of blood vessel damage.
Poor diet: Consuming excessive saturated fats, cholesterol, and salt is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Inactive lifestyle: The human body thrives on movement. Living a sedentary lifestyle significantly raises the risk of heart disease.
Unhealthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce strain on the heart and blood vessels.
Family history and age: Aging and a family history of heart attack, stroke, and blood vessel disease increase the risk of heart disease

Are there any other heart conditions should I know about?

There are many other heart conditions to be aware of. Here is a quick look at some of the most common:

Heart failure

Heart failure is when your heart is too weak to meet your body’s needs. A pacemaker can help maximize your heart’s pumping ability.

Cardiac arrest

A heart attack is similar to a plumbing problem, whereas cardiac arrest is an electrical issue. During cardiac arrest, the normal electrical signals that guide your heart’s beat may encounter blockages or disruptions. Instead of maintaining a regular rhythm, your heart may fall out of sync or may start vibrating rather than pumping. If you have a dangerous cardiac rhythm disorder (arrhythmia), a defibrillator can be implanted in your chest to shock your heart back into a normal rhythm when necessary. Additionally, specific rhythm disorders can be addressed through a minimally invasive procedure known as electrophysiology, or EP.

Atrial fibrillation

“A-fib” is when the small chambers at the top of the heart cause the heart to beat irregularly or sometimes very fast. A-fib reduces your heart’s ability to pump effectively. It can cause blood clots to form that can lead to strokes or other serious conditions.

Palpitations

Palpitations are a sensation that your heart is beating hard, fast, or irregularly. People most commonly describe pounding, fluttering, or skipping. Most people will experience palpitations at some point in their life. They are usually harmless, but some can be caused by serious abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

What can I do?

Talk to your doctor: If you don’t have a primary care physician, make an appointment and start building a relationship with a doctor who will be your partner for better health.
Stop smoking: St. Mary’s Freedom from Smoking class can help.
Eat a healthy diet: Consuming nutritious foods such as fish, lean meats, eggs, and nuts is essential for keeping your heart healthy. It is recommended that you should have at least 5 daily servings of fruits and vegetables and limit your consumption of processed foods.
Move your body: It is best to engage in physical activity daily. Find activities you like and do them. Walk the dog, ride a bike, play Pickleball, take the stairs, dance, drum, vacuum the carpet, clean up the yard – the options are endless. The American Heart Association urges everyone to get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week. That comes to just 21 minutes a day. St. Mary’s Wellness Center can help.
Take your medications correctly: Follow your doctor’s orders. Take the right medicine in the right amount at the right time to control high blood pressure, diabetes, clotting disorders, etc.