The warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack can include: Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain. Heart attack pain can sometimes feel like indigestion or heartburn. Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Can include pain, discomfort, or numbness in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Shortness of breath. Often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort. Other symptoms. May include breaking out in a cold sweat, having nausea and vomiting, or feeling light-headed or dizzy.
Signs and symptoms vary from person to person. In fact, if you have a second heart attack, your symptoms may not be the same as for the first heart attack. Some people have no symptoms. This is called a "silent" heart attack. The symptoms of angina can be similar to those of a heart attack. If you have angina and notice a change or a worsening of your symptoms, talk with your doctor right away. Know the warning signs of a heart attack so you can act fast to get treatment. Many heart attack victims wait 2 hours or more after their symptoms begin before they seek medical help. This delay can result in death or lasting heart damage. How Can I Prevent a Heart Attack? Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease (CAD). You can help prevent a heart attack by knowing about your risk factors for CAD and heart attack and taking action to lower your risks. You can lower your risk of having a heart attack, even if you have already had a heart attack or are told that your chances of having a heart attack are high. To prevent a heart attack, you will most likely need to make lifestyle changes. You may also need to get treatment for conditions that raise your risk. Make Lifestyle Changes You can lower your risk for CAD and a heart attack by making healthy lifestyle choices: Eat a healthy diet to prevent or reduce high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, and maintain a healthy weight If you smoke, quit Exercise as directed by your doctor Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.
Treat Related Conditions In addition to making lifestyle changes, you can help prevent heart attacks by treating conditions you have that make a heart attack more likely: High blood cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, follow your doctor's advice about lowering your cholesterol. Take medications to lower your cholesterol as directed. High blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor's advice about keeping your blood pressure under control. Take blood pressure medications as directed. High blood sugar (diabetes). If you have diabetes, follow your doctor's advice about keeping your blood sugar levels under control. Take medications as directed.
Prevent a Second Heart Attack If you have already had a heart attack, it is very important to follow your doctor's advice to prevent a second heart attack: Make lifestyle changes as directed Take your medications as directed Follow any other treatment recommended by your doctor, such as cardiac rehabilitation.
By taking these steps, you can prevent or reduce the chance of another heart attack and related complications, such as heart failure. There are millions of people who have survived a heart attack. Many recover fully and are able to lead normal lives. If you have already had a heart attack, your goals are to: Recover and resume normal activities as much as possible Prevent another heart attack Prevent complications, such as heart failure or cardiac arrest.
After a heart attack, you will need to see your doctor regularly for checkups and tests to see how your heart is doing. Your doctor will also most likely recommend: Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, changing your diet, or increasing your physical activity Medications such as aspirin, nitroglycerin tablets for angina, medicines to lower your cholesterol or blood pressure,and medicines to help reduce your heart's workload That you participate in a cardiac rehabilitation program.
Exercise is good for your heart muscle and overall health. It can help you lose weight, keep your cholesterol and blood pressure under control, reduce stress, and lift your mood. If you have angina after your heart attack, you will need to learn when to rest and when and how to take medicine for angina. Returning to Usual Activities After a heart attack, most people are able to return to their normal activities. Ask your doctor when you should go back to: Most people without chest pain following an uncomplicated heart attack can safely return to most of their usual activities within a few weeks. Most can begin walking immediately. Sexual activity with the usual partner can also begin within a few weeks for most patients without chest pain or other complications. Driving can usually begin within a week for most patients without chest pain or other complications if allowed by state law. Each state has rules for driving a motor vehicle following a serious illness. Patients with complications or chest pain should not drive until their symptoms have been stable for a few weeks. Anxiety and Depression After a Heart Attack After a heart attack, many people worry about having another heart attack. They often feel depressed and may have trouble adjusting to a new lifestyle. You should discuss your feelings of anxiety or depression with your doctor. Your doctor can give you medicine for anxiety or depression, if needed. Spend time with family, friends, and even pets. Affection can make you feel better and less lonely. Most people do not continue to feel depressed after they have fully recovered. | 
