In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds that means, roughly 805,000 people each year and 3/4 of those are first-time attacks. Heart attack is one of the leading causes of death for men and women regardless of race. These statistics seem frightening, but there are many early warning signs a person can experience days prior to an attack. Early detection can significantly reduce the chances of severe heart damage or death, which is why it is vital to know the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

What are the early warning signs of a heart attack and who is most at risk?

 Heart attacks are referred to as the silent killer these days. There is truth to that, as approximately 1 in 5 heart attacks have mild symptoms, which makes people believe it is normal discomfort. However, fortunately, numerous signs and symptoms may indicate a heart attack is looming. These signs and symptoms can come and go for hours or days before chest pain becomes severe. When these symptoms are treated early, sudden death and cardiac damage may be avoided. 
           
The early warning signs of a heart attack can be specific or nonspecific to heart disease.

Heart disease and women

It is a common misconception among general public that heart disease is one that only affects men and women die from heart disease almost as much as men each year. This myth may be due to the reason that prevention and treatment is remarkably less aggressive for women than it is for men..
 
A common heart attack symptom is chest pain; however, men have greater chances of experiencing this symptom with a heart attack than women. When having a heart attack, women generally experience dizziness, fatigue, nausea/vomiting, stomach pain and pressure or tightness in the chest.
 
Additionally, women have a higher risk of death from their first heart attack and are more susceptible to having long-term disabilities as a result. Therefore, it is important to learn the various warning signs that attribute to a heart attack, in order to implement timely intervention.

Why Americans have higher risk for heart disease?

Americans at higher risk for heart disease due to the main factors such as  blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and smoking.  Several other medical conditions and lifestyle choices can also put people at a higher risk for heart disease, including: Diabetes. Overweight and obesity.

Approximately half of the American population is having at least one of these three factors, which contributes to the high cases of heart disease in the U.S. These three factors are considered the major reasons that contribute to poor heart and vascular health, but there are many other factors that can contribute.
 
A person’s lifestyle, age, family history and certain health conditions can increase the risk of having heart disease and experiencing a heart attack. Other risk factors include depression, excessive alcohol use, high stress, obesity, physical inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet.

 Heart attacks are increasing all over the globe nowadays, due to the lack of physical activity (sedentary lifestyle) is linked to a higher risk of heart attacks. Regular exercise helps improve heart health. Unhealthy diet that is high in sugars, animal fats, processed foods, Trans fats and salt increases the risk of heart attacks. The main cause of heart disease in America are plaque and blood clots that reduce blood flow through an artery. A buildup of fatty substances in the arteries, called atherosclerosis, is the most common cause of coronary artery disease.

There are also risk factors that are specific to women, such as birth control pills, history of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and having a low-birth-weight baby, smoking, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, high blood sugar, obesity, and stress . These risk factors raise the risk of a heart attack more in women than in men. Women are more likely than men to have heart attacks that are not caused by coronary artery disease.

Women between 30 and 45 have smoked more than their older relatives did, and many more are obese. These two factors contributions to diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension, which in turn can lead to heart attacks.
 
Heart disease is a serious condition. Nevertheless, most cases can be prevented by understanding the warning signs and implementing a healthier lifestyle. A great place to start is by talking with your primary care provider.

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