The heart depends on special blood vessels, called coronary arteries, to supply it with nutrition and oxygen. If these arteries become blocked, then the part of the heart that depends on them can become injured. Permanent injuries to the heart muscle can cause a heart attack. A heart attack is the most common cause of death in the United States. Every minute of the day someone dies from a heart attack.
Early treatment is crucial for heart attack victims.
Prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, can save a life. Quick treatment with drugs that break up blood clots can greatly improve a person's chance of surviving a heart attack. Since early treatment makes a difference, it's important to know the early signs of a heart attack. The most common sign is chest pain or chest discomfort. Sometimes a person having a heart attack, even if they have had one before, may not want to call for help.