Heart attack: Every minute counts!

A heart attack is a major cardiovascular health problem that claims thousands of lives in the country every year.

A heart attack occurs when a sudden blockage, which may be caused by a blood clot or blocked artery, prevents sufficient blood flow in a heart artery. If the blockage is severe and prolonged, it may cause poorly irrigated areas of the heart muscle to die and permanently damage normal heart function. This damage may cause heart failure and cardiac rhythm disorders that may be fatal (cardiac arrest). Every minute that goes by without treatment increases the risk of short- and long-term complications and may lead to death. That’s why it is extremely important to be familiar with the symptoms of a heart attack and, if you see them, get help immediately. Symptoms may vary greatly from one person to the next—chest pain, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, perspiration, nausea, dizziness, etc. With the help of your healthcare professional, you can also calculate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and having a heart attack and take preventive measures.