Every 36 seconds, someone dies from heart and blood vessel diseases, America’s No. 1 Killer. Since most of those deaths are from coronary heart disease (about 452,000 each year) it’s important to learn all you can about heart attack. Don’t ignore heart problems. It’s a matter of life and death.

For example, you should know the warning signs so you can get help right away, either for yourself or someone close to you. Acting quickly can save many, many lives.

Some heart attacks are sudden and intense. But most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Here are some of the signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:

• Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back.
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

If you or someone you’re with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don’t wait more than five minutes before calling for help. Call 9-1-1 or the emergency medical services (EMS) in your area (fire department or ambulance). Get to a hospital right away.

What causes heart attack?

A coronary attack (heart attack) occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked (often by a blood clot) This happens because coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood slowly become thicker and harder from a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances, called plaque.

If the plaque breaks open and a blood clot forms that blocks the blood flow, a heart attack occurs. Then the heart muscle supplied by that artery begins to die. Damage increases the longer an artery stays blocked.

Once that muscle dies, the result is permanent heart damage.

How can I avoid a heart attack?

Even if you have heart disease, there’s a lot you can do to improve your heart’s health.

Ask your doctor or nurse for help. Together, you can set goals to reduce the things that raise your risk of heart attack.

• Don’t smoke, and avoid other people’s tobacco smoke.
• Treat high blood pressure, if you have it.
• Eat healthy diet that’s low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and salt.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes on most or all days of the week.
• Keep your weight in the normal range.
• See your doctor for regular check-ups.
• Take your medicines exactly as prescribed.
• Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.

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