Heart attack occurs when a section of the heart can't get enough oxygen. The passage of oxygenated blood through a coronary artery becomes blocked. Reduced blood flow can cause permanent damage to the deprived muscle tissue (or brain tissue, in the case of stroke). The muscle injury and lack of oxygen generally cause chest pain or pressure and a number of uncomfortable sensations.
You are more likely to suffer a heart attack if your coronary arteries are narrowed by arterial disease from fatty deposits. If the size of the damaged area of the heart is small and does not impair the electrical conducting system that regulates heartbeat, the attack should not be fatal and you will have a good chance of recovery.
Protect Your Arteries
Coronary artery disease (CAD) progresses over many years, leading to heart attack or stroke. But you can avoid or delay CAD by controlling these factors:
- High Blood Pressure
- High Blood Cholesterol
- Diabetes
If you have reached age 40, it's time to discuss the above factors with your provider. Aggressively treating and managing these conditions with exercise, weight control and medication, if necessary, can reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Smoking — It's deadly to your heart and blood vessels, doubling your chances for heart attack.
Physical Inactivity — A routine exercise program can control the risks of excess weight, diabetes and elevated blood pressure and cholesterol.