A heart attack can mean a serious problem for the affected persons. Many people are frightened about the possibility of having a heart attack and prefer not to think about it. They should be more optimistic and try to learn what the signs of a heart attack are and what steps they have to follow in order to reduce the risks.

Many persons do not know what a heart attack means. They believe that it is sudden and intense.

The truth about heart attacks is that many of them start slowly as a mild discomfort in the chest. If you have this symptom you might not be able to figure it out weather it is a heart attack symptom or not. The pain may come and go and even those who have had a heart attack may not recognize the symptoms.

Among the warning signs of a heart attack we have to remember chest discomfort, discomfort in both arms, in the back, neck, jaw or stomach, shortness of breath or other symptoms that may include breaking out in a cold sweet, nausea or light-headedness.

Of these common warning signs for heart attack we have to say that chest discomfort is seen in most of the patients. Chest discomfort involves pain in the center of the chest. This pain will last for a few minutes and may reappear. Discomfort may also mean uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.

If you develop any of these sign mentioned earlier you should see a doctor, even if you are not sure that it's a heart attack. Early action may save your life.

We should also know other general things about heart attack. It is good to know that heart attack is a disease that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart is interrupted.

Among the risk factors we should remember factors such as previous history of vascular disease, a previous heart attack or stroke, previous episodes of abnormal heart rhythms, age, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Other factors might be high levels of triglyceride, diabetes, high blood pressure, stress or obesity.

We mentioned earlier the most common symptoms of heart attack. It is also good to know that women experience different symptoms than men. Among these symptoms we can remember shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue.

It is recommended for suspected persons to receive treatment that includes oxygen, aspirin, glyceryl trinitrate and pain relief.

The patient will receive diagnosis test such as ECG or EKG, a blood test and a chest X-ray exam.

The treatment that is recommended afterwards might include either medications to break down blood clots, or mechanical restoring of the flow by dilatation or bypass surgery.

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