February is Heart Month

What to Know about Heart Attacks?!

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

ATLANTA – A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when a section of the heart muscle dies or gets damaged because of reduced blood supply. Coronary Artery Disease occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart (called coronary arteries).

American Indians are twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart disease

Coronary Artery Disease is the main cause of heart attack. The five major symptoms of a heart attack are:

If you believe you or someone are experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack it is important to call 911 immediately. Otherwise, further damage to the heart muscle can occur and an irregular heart rhythm may develop.

Bystanders who have been trained to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation – CPR – or use a defibrillator may be able to help the victim until emergency medical personnel arrive. At the hospital, doctors will then perform tests to determine whether a heart attack is occurring and decide on the best treatment.

Remember, it's important to recognize these symptoms and call for help because the chances of surviving a heart attack are greater when emergency treatment begins quickly.

American Indians/Alaska Natives, on average, are more likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than their white counterparts. In addition, American Indians/Alaska Native adults are more likely to be obese than white adults, more likely to have high blood pressure, and they are more likely to be current cigarette smokers than white adults – all risk factors for heart disease.

February is a great month to begin your heart disease prevention.

posted February 13, 2013 6:40 am est