What You Need to Know About Heart Attacks

Heart attacks happen due to the restriction of blood flow to the heart muscle. The constriction of blood flow weakens muscles, and the tissues may degenerate. Therefore, it is essential to schedule tests to determine your risk of heart attack Deerfield Beach. Early detection can prevent life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrest.

What causes a heart attack?

The primary cause of heart attacks is plaque accumulation in the wall of the arteries supplying blood to the heart. Plaque develops when cholesterol builds up on the inner walls of the blood vessels.

A blood clot may form on the blood vessels when plaque ruptures. The clotting constricts blood flow and weakens the heart muscle.

Another less common cause of heart attacks is intense muscle contractions or spasms. The contraction also limits blood flow to the heart muscle.

Heart attack risk factors

Several factors that can increase your risk of a heart attack including:

Smoking and drug use: Tobacco and recreational drugs like amphetamines contain chemicals that force blood vessels to contract. Restrictions of blood flow trigger a heart attack. The condition is particularly prevalent among young cocaine users.

Hypoxia: Hypoxia is a condition caused by insufficient oxygen supply to the heart. Low oxygen supply may occur due to a lung condition or carbon dioxide poisoning. The lack of sufficient oxygen leads to the weakening of the heart muscle.

High blood cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol restricts blood flow by blocking the blood vessels. Your doctor can perform tests to determine if you are susceptible to a heart attack. You can reduce your risk by adopting a balanced diet with low levels of saturated fats and adequate amounts of healthy oils.

Symptoms of a heart attack

Patients may experience different symptoms during a heart attack. Symptoms may range from mild discomfort around the neck and back to intense pain in the chest.

Contact your doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

·         Fatigue, nausea, or shortness of breath

·         A sharp pain around the chest

·         Sensations of pain that move through your arm, back, and neck

·         Dizziness and feelings of lightheadedness

·         Intense anxiety that feels like a panic attack

Potential complications of heart attacks

A damaged heart muscle can present several complications if it remains unaddressed. Unfortunately, the condition can progress quickly and be life-threatening.

·         Irregular heartbeat: Also known as arrhythmias, the condition can cause an irregular heartbeat that speeds up before slowing down. Arrhythmia can lead to cardiac arrest and even death if untreated.

·         Heart rupture: At the advanced stages, the heart muscle may break the heart tissues and valves. A rapture can occur after ten days to one month of a heart attack.

·         Cardiogenic shock: It is a rare complication that occurs after a heart attack, but it can be life-threatening. Cardiogenic shock happens when the heart fails adequately pump blood. It limits the oxygen and blood supply to vital organs of the body such as the brain.

Heart scans can help assess your risk of a heart attack. Contact Life Imaging FLA to schedule an appointment today.