Early Heart Attack Care
Heart attack beginnings occur in more than 50% of patients, and if recognized in time, patients can be treated before the heart is damaged.
Early heart attack care, or EHAC, is a campaign intended to educate the community and caregivers on early symptoms of a heart attack in order to prevent the heart attack from ever occurring. Preventing the heart attack prevents heart damage.
Unlike most programs that promote recognition of the signs and symptoms of an impending heart attack, the EHAC initiative encourages early recognition when symptoms may be mild.
Early Heart Attack Symptoms
People may or may not experience any or all of these symptoms.
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Nausea
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Feeling of fullness
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Pain that travels down one or both arms
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Jaw pain
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Fatigue
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Anxiety
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Chest pressure, squeezing or discomfort
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Back pain
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Shortness of breath
People may also experience mild chest symptoms, such as pressure, burning, aching or tightness. These symptoms may come and go until finally becoming constant and severe.
Risk Factors
There are two types of risk factors for heart disease: genetic, which you're born with, and acquired, which are most commonly caused by lifestyle activities. It's important to take the time to learn which risk factors apply to you and then take steps to eliminate or reduce them.
Risk factors you can't control include:
- A family history of high blood pressure
- Heart disease (especially with onset before age 55)
- Aging
- Type 1 diabetes
- Being female (after the onset of menopause)
Risk factors you can control include:
- High blood pressure
- Low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) or high levels of triglycerides or low-density lipoprotein (LDLs)
- Smoking
- Stress
- Excessive drinking
- Leading a sedentary lifestyle
- Being overweight by 30 percent or more
- Eating a high-saturated fat diet
- Type 2 diabetes
Managing Your Risk
The first step is to know your own risk factors. Once you do, consult your physician to start making healthy heart changes. Your physician can offer medical recommendations to help you manage controllable risks.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a heart attack, call 9-1-1 right away. If you cannot call 9-1-1, have someone else drive you to the hospital immediately. Never drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other choice.