Heart attack

Stopping of blood flow to the heart is known as heart attack.

Causes:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High blood cholesterol
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Pre-existing heart disease
• Age
• Family history
• Sedentary life

Warning signs:

• Pain in the chest
• Pain in the neck, arms, back, stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden cold sweat
• Nausia

Tests:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Blood test
• Nuclear scan
• Coronary angiography

Prevention:

• Stop smoking
• Control blood pressure
• Manage blood cholesterol
• Reduce body weight
• Keep diabetes within control

Note:

• The risk factors do not add up if present together, they multiply the probability of heart attack.
• Most heart attacks are not sudden as you see in movies!

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha, Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

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