Heart Attack Information- What’s Reliable?

Reliable heart attack information can be quite difficult to come by at times.  What are the symptoms of a heart attack, and how do I really know?  There is so much misinformation on the web that it can be hard to sift through the junk and find the gems that can truly save your life.  This article was written with that in mind, to offer you quality heart attack information that will put your mind at ease, secure in the knowledge you are prepared if the worst happens.
The first thing you should know in your quest for heart attack information, is that a heart attack and heart disease aren’t the same thing.  A heart attack is a result of heart disease or other heart problems.  So what is a heart attack exactly?

A heart attack is what happens when blood flowing to the heart is suddenly and severely stopped or reduced.  It is usually caused by some sort of blockage that happens within the coronary arteries, most likely a result of plaque build up inside the arteries.  Plaque build up are deposits of fat like substances that cause a condition known as atherosclerosis.  When the build up becomes severe, it can rupture, which then leads to a blood clot forming, blocking the artery, and then a heart attack.

Heart Attack Symptoms Include:

Pressure or pain in the center of the chest, squeezing or fullness, or a feeling of an elephant on your chest lasting more than a few minutes.

Pain that radiates from the neck, shoulders, and arms, even the upper abdomen and jaw.  Pain may be severe and intense, or mild.  You may just feel pressure or tingling, tightness or burning.

Light headedness, shortness of breath, nausea and sweating may also be a warning sign.

Anxiety, impending feelings of doom, pale pallor, and increased or irregular heart rate are also warning signs of a heart attack.

This heart attack information is stated by the AHA, and if you feel you experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, don’t hesitate and get yourself to the hospital asap.  Better to be safe than sorry.