The heart's blood supply can be cut off as a result of atherosclerosis, in which fatty deposits build up on the lining of the artery walls until a blockage occurs. Although heart attacks can strike without warning, an attack may also be preceded by periodic spells of chest pain called angina. While the symptoms of angina may seem to mimic those of a heart attack, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says angina is more often triggered by physical exertion, whereas a heart attack can occur at any time, even during rest. Although angina is not the same as a heart attack, it does indicate the presence of coronary artery disease and should not be ignored. Get help fast A heart attack is a medical emergency.
Time is essential.
If someone is experiencing symptoms that might indicate a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency number and let medical personnel know when the symptoms started and how severe they are. According to AHA, research shows that taking an aspirin when symptoms start significantly improves the chances of surviving a heart attack. But remember that a heart attack does the most damage in the first two hours. The faster someone gets help, the better their chances of survival. For example, in thrombolysis a clot dissolving agent is injected.