These drugs are effective only if you receive them within the first hours of a heart attack - or better still, before the arteries have become totally clogged. Doctors can diagnose your symptoms within a few hours, if not sooner. They may ask you about your medical and family history, and your life style. They will monitor your heart at rest and with activity. They can also look for tell-tale signs of heart attack in samples of your blood.
Women experience nearly the same number of heart attacks as men.
People as young as 20 years old have heart attacks - even highly conditioned athletes in their prime. Sadly, some people have no idea that they are at risk for a heart attack until is strikes. These include high-fat diets, overweight, lack of exercise, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, and a family history of heart disease. But remember, the most important risk factor is the presence of any early heart attack symptoms. In fact, it is the only risk factor that you can do something about right away and have a direct impact on whether you will have a serious heart attack.