New
drugs can stop or limit the damage of a heart attack, but only if
the patient gets help immediately, experts say. Once the flow of
blood to a portion of the heart is blocked for several hours, the
damage is irreversible.
Knowing the symptoms of a heart attack, which can be wide-ranging
and confusing, is extremely important. So is knowing risk factors,
such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and family history.
Typical symptoms of a heart attack include a crushing pain in the
chest, sweating, difficulty breathing, weakness and pain in the
arms, particularly the left. Symptoms one could attribute to something
else can cause devastating delays in seeking treatment. These include
feelings of indigestion, back shoulder and neck pain and nausea.
Early signs of trouble may appear during physical activity and disappear
with rest. Any numbness of tingling of the fingers or toes, dizziness,
shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing should not be ignored.
Clinical studies, laboratory investigations and a number of surveys
show certain personal characteristics and life-styles pointing to
increased danger of heart attack. These danger signs are called
"risk factors." These well established risk factors are
high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, cigarette smoking and
diabetes mellitus.
Attempts at modifying risk factors most certainly have contributed
to the declining death rate from heart attacks in the United States.
During the 1960's, U.S. death rates from heart attacks were still
rising, but today's figures show that heart attacks have fallen
dramatically. And, overall, heart-related problems have declined
about 25 percent in the last decade. This decrease undoubtedly is
due to better medical care of heart attack victims, but it is likely
that a sizable percentage is related to modification of risk factors.
Medical technology is advancing at an increasingly rapid rate. More
drugs and medical technology are available than ever before and
the entire population is now more aware of the seriousness of heart
attacks. There has been an increased interest in learning CPR and
many community organizations now offer this valuable training.
Of particular concern by doctors and researchers is the role that
the American diet plays in the health of one's heart. Obesity predisposes
individuals to coronary heart disease. Some of the reasons for this
are known, but others are not. The major causes of obesity in Americans
are excessive intake of calories and inadequate exercise. When caloric
intake is excessive, some of the excess frequently is saturated
fat, which further raises the blood cholesterol. Thus, obesity contributes
to higher coronary risk in a variety of ways.
Many of the major risk factors for a heart attack are silent and
much of the responsibility for their detection lies with each of
us as individuals. Regular checkups are particularly necessary if
there is a family history of heart attacks of heart disease, high
blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or diabetes.
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