Heart Attack - Signs & Symptoms

Heart of the Matter

A crushing pain, nausea and vomiting. These are the dreaded signs of a heart attack, which afflicts
men young or old.

What is Heart Attack?

It is a sudden stoppage of blood flow to the heart. It is caused by a blood clot forming on top of
the plaque (fatty deposits) of a heart artery. 

How does it strike? 

When there's a break in the lining of the plaque, the blood flowing through that artery clots and blood supply to the heart is cut off.

What are the symptoms?

A crushing pain in the chest area compounded by cold sweat, nausea or vomiting.

What should I do? 
Go to a hospital at once.

What is the treatment?
A medicine may be injected into your vein to dissolve the blood clot. 

Alternatively, an angioplasty procedure may be performed by inserting a stent, a stainless steel
wire-mesh structure, into the blocked artery. It pushes aside the plaque and allows the blood to
flow again.

How deadly is a heart attack?
Very. Forty per cent of victims die - some immediately. But the 60 per cent who make it to
hospital in time to clear the blocked artery have more than a 90 per cent chance of survival.

Who is most prone to it?
Older people, especially those over 50.

Are men more prone to heart attacks?
Yes, because they do not have the protection offered by the female hormone oestrogen, which
regulates cholesterol levels and prevents hardening of arteries.

How can we prevent it?
Heart attack is closely linked to lifestyle choices, as 90 per cent of victims either have high blood
pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes or are smokers. So, don't smoke, avoid liquor, exercise
more and eat healthily.

 Information on this page is provided for interest only on a "best efforts" basis and does not 
constitute personal advice. Always discuss medical matters with your doctor.

 Source: Straits Time Interactive, Singapore
Video Source: Youtube