The Signs of Heart Attack and How to Manage it ?

Deepak lives in Delhi and takes the Metro to reach his office daily. It was a routine commute to work when, one day, he started feeling chest pains. Initially, he ignored it thinking it to be a strain caused by climbing the stairs, but when the pain grew he decided to see the doctor first. It was a case of heart attack. 

Heart attack is a medical emergency which requires prompt attention since it can make a person unconscious and even cause death.

In such moments, worrying about medical bills can increase stress levels and worsen the situation. Buying Heart Mediclaim and being prepared with one is advisable.

Let us understand more about heart attack, its symptoms and treatment.

What is a Heart Attack?

For sound heart health, there should be a continuous supply of oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood to the heart. A heart attack is a condition when there is a sudden blockage of an artery and blood flow to the heart muscle is restricted. The blockage is majorly due to build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries. Heart attacks happen when there is a blood clot that totally restricts the blood flow and this can be fatal.

Symptoms of Heart Attack

Some of the visible symptoms of a heart attack are given below:

• Chest Discomfort or Pain
• Chest Tightness or Squeezing
• Pain in the arms, neck, jaw or back
• Cold sweat
• Nausea
• Heartburn or abdominal pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

The symptoms, and their severity, may vary from person to person. A heart attack can also occur suddenly. However, it is also possible that a person may show these symptoms hours, days or weeks before the attack.

>> Check: 10 Foods to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Heart attacks can lead to cardiac arrest where the heart stops owing to an electrical disturbance resulting in arrhythmia. Some signs of this condition include loss of consciousness or absence of breathing.

Factors that Increase Risks of Heart Attack

Here are some of the major risk factors of heart attack:

• Age: Although, heart attack is affecting youngsters owing to their poor lifestyle. However, the risks are greater in elderly people especially those above the age of 65 years.
• Gender: Studies have shown that men are more prone to heart attacks as compared to women. However, stressful lifestyle, menopause, pregnancy complications, etc. have also made women susceptible to heart attacks.
• Family medical history: If a person has a family history of heart ailments, then the risks are higher.
• Lifestyle: Smoking, consumption of alcohol, poor dietary habit leading to high cholesterol levels, sedentary routine and stress – all contribute to risks of heart attack. Heart attack can even be caused due to a heavy physical workout.
• Ailments: Hypertension and Diabetes are health conditions that increase the chances of heart attack in a person.

>> Check: Heart Diseases: Know the Types, Risk Factors, And Treatment

What to do During a Heart Attack?

When a heart attack strikes, one must call the ambulance and seek doctor’s attention without wasting any time. It is important to stay calm and take slow, deep breaths until help arrives. By taking some preventive steps, one can avoid the harmful effects of a heart attack. This can be done by improving one’s lifestyle and taking timely medications in case of ailments like diabetes and hypertension.

Some lifestyle changes one can adopt include:

• Staying active and exercising
• Managing stress and anxiety
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Eating nutritious and low-fat foods
• Avoid smoking or alcohol consumption

Health insurance for heart patients is a necessity in today’s times when medical costs are rising. Stay protected with ‘Care Heart’ which is a health plan by Care Health Insurance, offering cover for treatment of pre-existing heart ailments.