A heart attack happens when the heart does not get enough blood supply for a period of time. Part or all of the heart muscle dies.

Signs & Symptoms

A heart attack may have warning signs. (See box below). It can occur without signs, too. This is called a “silent” heart attack.

• The most common cause is one or more blood clots that block an artery in the heart. Often, a blood clot forms in an artery already narrowed by plaque.

• Having a heart attack in the past increases the risk for another one.

• Spasms occur in the large coronary artery. This can be triggered by: Heavy physical exertion, such as shoveling snow; exposure to cold; severe emotional stress; and having a heavy meal. These triggers are more likely to affect persons who are not active.

• Cocaine or amphetamine abuse can cause a sudden heart attack. This can happen in persons with no signs of heart disease.

A heart attack is a medical emergency! Treatment works best when it is given within 1 to 2 hours after symptoms start. Treatment includes:

• Medicine(s) to keep blood from clotting.

• “Clot busters” to dissolve blood clots in heart arteries.

• Tests to diagnose the status of the heart and arteries.

• Angioplasty, stents, or bypass surgery, if needed.

Prevention

• Follow prevention measures in Heart Disease.

• Take medications, as prescribed.

• Don’t shovel snow or carry heavy objects, especially if you are not physically fit.

• Don’t use amphetamines and/or cocaine.

Do any of these problems occur?

• Any heart attack warning sign.

• For a person with angina, chest pain does not respond to prescribed medicine or go away in 10 to 15 minutes.

• Call 9-1-1 or your local rescue squad right away! Call when warning signs start. Don’t wait to see if the pain goes away.

First Aid for a Heart Attack Before Emergency Care

• Check for breathing and Circulation Signs. Do CPR, as needed.

• If the person uses and has nitroglycerin, place one tablet under the tongue. Give as many as 3 tablets in 10 minutes.

• Give the person a regular (325 mg.) aspirin or 4 children’s chewable aspirins (81 mg. each) to chew on. Give the aspirin after calling 9-1-1. Ask the 9-1-1 dispatcher if aspirin should be taken.

{Note: Don’t use aspirin if the person is allergic to it or has a condition that makes using it risky.}

• If you can’t call 9-1-1, drive the person to the hospital right away. If you are having heart attack signs, don’t drive yourself unless you have no other choice.

• Loosen clothing around the neck, chest, and waist. Don’t let the person lie down, especially if he or she has breathing problems. A half-sitting position is better. Put the legs up. Bend them at the knees. Put a pillow or rolled towel under the knees. Support the back.

• Reassure the person that you have called for medical help and will stay with him or her until it arrives.

• After a heart attack, follow the doctor’s treatment plan.

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