Arteries supplying the heart with blood can become narrower or even completely blocked by cholesterol, fat, plaque and other substances. When the blood flow drops enough, the heart muscle becomes starved of oxygen. This results in a myocardial infarction, or heart attack, and permanent damage to the heart muscle.
Symptoms and Warning Signs
Females often experience different symptoms than males, who are more likely to experience the classic signs such as crushing chest pain or difficulty breathing. Female symptoms can include:
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, one or both arms, neck, back or stomach
- Cold sweat
- Lightheadedness or fainting
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea
- A feeling of fullness, pressure, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest, which may last several minutes or come and go
- Difficulty breathing
If you experience these warning signs, call 911. Do not delay seeking medical attention for more than a few minutes.
Get Involved!
The American Heart Association began the “Go Red” program to take a stand and improve education about this growing risk for Americans. They not only fight to improve awareness among the public but also campaign to raise funds for research and educational programs. This February, they are sponsoring the “goredselfie” program on social media. To participate, simply upload a picture of yourself wearing red with the label #goredselfie. Winners will be announced daily and will receive a $25 gift card. One grand prize winner will receive a $500 gift card. Donations can help further their reach and improve heart health for all of us.
Prevention Strategies
Heart disease is largely preventable. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors or use an online risk calculator to determine your uncontrollable and your controllable risk factors. If you smoke, quit. This one action can reduce your risk by 50 percent. Set a goal to exercise at least half an hour a day. Walking is a great way to get more movement into your day. Modify your diet with smart substitutions: Use lean protein, plenty of vegetables, fresh fruit and whole grains in your recipes whenever possible.