Heart Attacks: How do they happen?
The heart needs oxygen to work and support oxygenated blood flow to the body
Plaque, made from a build up of cholesterol in the blood build up on the walls of the coronary arteries.
Coronary Arteries supply oxygenated blood to the heart. If they become blocked, oxygenated blood can no longer get to the heart.
The more the plaques the coronary arteries grow, it becomes more difficult for this blood to reach the heart.
This becomes more dangerous if a plaque ruptures, a blood clot will form around it in a matter of minutes. This means the artery becomes completely blocked, causing a heart attack.
When the cells in the heart do not get oxygen, they can die in a very short space of time. This can cause death very soon after a heart attack if treatment is not got.
Possible Symptoms?
Chest Pain
Pain in the left arm, jaw, back or abdomen
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Weakness & Tiredness
A person with Diabetes may not display any symptoms
Treatment?
Aspirin - Thins the blood
Nitroglycerin - Opens the arteries
Angioplasty to open the artery
A Stent to keep the artery open
Risk Factors
Lack of Exercise
Diet High in Sugar
Diet High in Saturated Fats
Being Overweight or Obese
Being Stressed
Smoking