Anyone who has ever exercised knows the feeling of being out of breath and having difficulty catching your breath. This is a classic sign that you’re working your heart too hard, and it’s time to slow down. If you have ever had any experience with a racing or panic heartbeat, then you know what it feels like to have a ‘heart attack’. 

Even people who have never had one know when their heart is racing because they feel anxious  and sick to their stomach. A racing or panicked heartbeat is a classic symptom of cardiovascular stress, which is when blood pressure rises rapidly in response to emotional stress or physical exertion. It can also be caused by a number-one killer: a heart attack. 





## What Is a Heart Attack?


A heart attack occurs when a blockage or clot in the coronary arteries restricts blood flow to the heart muscle. With a heart attack, the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle is reduced, which can cause chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or a lightheaded or dizzy feeling. 


This can occur for several reasons, but when it is due to a blood clot in the coronary arteries, it is called cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease can be described as any condition that affects the heart and/or blood vessels. 



![pexels-photo-5214990.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/royalevidence/23yJR7qo1oupqcLVf87HPp6HGg8ghubv6ZoppqFX9eReiRMGrUz3fprymiac23Bpj1zgA.jpeg)


[Source](https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-getting-a-checkup-5214990/)

The most common cause is atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of fatty material (called plaque) in the coronary arteries. Blood clotting can also cause a heart attack, as can high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar.



## Causes of Heart Attacks


- Atherosclerosis: The build-up of fatty material in the arteries is called atherosclerosis. Fatty material is called plaque. Plaque creates a narrowing (“obstruction”) in the coronary artery, which stops the normal flow of blood.  This is the cause of most heart attacks.

Blood Clotting: Blood clots are a common side effect of some medications, including those used to prevent blood clots in people who are at risk of them. Blood clotting can also occur for no apparent reason. - High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a common condition that occurs as a result of excessive pressure on the arteries. 


Heart attacks usually occur when a person has had high blood pressure for a long time but develops a clot while they are inactive and have nothing to do. - High Blood Sugar: High blood sugar is a common condition in which the body produces too much insulin. Insulin is the hormone that signals cells to absorb blood sugar and store it as energy. High blood sugar can cause heart attacks by shutting down the supply of blood to the heart muscle.



## Signs and symptoms of heart attacks


Chest pain - A “heart attack” may cause you to have chest pain, which may come and go and feel like a tight band in your chest. This “angina” is caused by a heart attack.


![pexels-photo-8248433.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/royalevidence/23zSDqicVb6jerW5PdjXiNcNCUVFjP5U3bCPXDbzPjjqwzmkvVewcg4b72hnXWCUjDuQD.jpeg)

[Source](https://www.pexels.com/photo/women-on-checkup-in-doctors-office-8248433/)

 Shortness of breath - Shortness of breath is another symptom of a heart attack. Swelling of hands, feet, ankles, or face - If you are feeling dizzy or lightheaded, this is a sign that your heart is not receiving enough oxygen.



 Symptoms that occur after a heart attack may include:
 - Feeling very tired or weak. 
- Difficulty concentrating.
 - Discomfort in one or both arms, legs, or feet. - Headache. - Bloating.



## Ways to lower your risk of heart attack


- Lose Weight - Being overweight or obese increases your risk of heart attacks by increasing triglycerides in your blood. Try to lose at least 10% of your body weight if you are overweight or 25% of your weight if you are obese. - Strengthen Your Heart - Regular aerobic exercise can strengthen your heart and lower your blood pressure. You can exercise aerobics by walking indoors and using a heart rate monitor to stay within a safe range for your age. 


Aerobic exercise also lowers blood pressure by raising your heart rate and increasing its capacity for oxygen delivery. 

- Lower Your Blood Pressure - Try to keep your blood pressure below normal. If you have high blood pressure, take medication. 

- Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally - Reduce salt in your diet.


 Too much salt increases your blood pressure and puts you at risk of heart attack and stroke

. - Manage Stress - Stress can increase blood pressure, so try to control it by relaxing whenever you feel stressed.

 - Stop Smoking - Smoking raises blood pressure and increases the risk of heart attack.



## Conclusion


Heart attacks are the most common cause of death in the United States, killing more than 800,000 Americans each year. Unfortunately, most people are not aware that they are at risk of a heart attack. 


This article will give you the information you need to lower your risk of heart attacks and live healthier. There is no better time than now to learn how to protect your heart and lower your risk of heart attack. Heart disease is the number one killer in the world, so it is crucial that you take steps to protect your heart.


### • Links Consulted 


(1). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16818-heart-attack-myocardial-infarction


(2). https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_attack.htm

(3). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20373106

(4). https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/heart-disease-heart-attacks