Doctor
To mark the 2024 World Heart Day, the World Health Organisation has shared a detailed guide outlining the typical warning signs of a heart attack.
- In a post shared on X on Sunday, WHO identified the following symptoms:
- Feeling faint or light-headed.
- Breaking into a cold sweat.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pain or discomfort in the centre of the chest.
- Discomfort in the arms, left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back.
- Vomiting.
- Becoming pale.
A heart attack, medically referred to as a myocardial infraction, is a life-threatening condition in which the heart muscle begins to die due to insufficient blood flow. This medical emergency is typically caused by a blockage in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. If left untreated, a heart attack can lead to permanent damage to the heart and, in severe cases, death.
The Mayo Clinic, United States, revealed that when a heart attack strikes, blood flow to a part of the heart stops or is drastically reduced. This causes injury or even death to the affected portion of the heart muscle. Without blood, the muscle cells in that area begin to die, which can disrupt the heart’s ability to pump effectively. If the heart cannot pump blood to the rest of the body, the consequences can be fatal if not addressed promptly.
What Causes a Heart Attack?
Most heart attacks result from a blockage in one of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. This blockage often stems from plaque—a sticky substance that builds up on artery walls. This process, known as atherosclerosis, restricts blood flow, much like how grease clogs kitchen pipes.When plaque buildup becomes severe, it leads to coronary artery disease, one of the most common causes of heart attacks. Punch
