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Signs & Symptoms of a Fatal Heart Attack

A fatal heart attack can happen to anyone. Many people know of someone who has died from having a heart attack. Sometimes there is no warning, but most times there are signs that you could be having a fatal heart attack.

  1. How They Happen

    • A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked. If blood is not restored to the heart immediately, then it lacks oxygen. When this lack of oxygen occurs, it damages the heart and that part of the heart can die. If treatment is not given soon, the heart can give out and a person can die.

    Causes

    • The main cause of having a heart attack is coronary artery disease. This is the buildup of plaque in the artery walls. Over time, this buildup blocks the flow of blood and can cause a person to have a heart attack.

      Other causes can be drug use, like cocaine, that can make the heart race and cause tightening in the chest. This tightening can cause less blood flow. Also, a lot of stress or emotional distress can bring on a heart attack.

    Symptoms

    • Some heart attacks happen quickly and with little warning. Some can even cause instant death. However, in most cases, there are warning signs that can alert someone that they may be having a heart attack.

      One sign of a possible heart attack is discomfort in the chest. A person may feel a tightening in the center of the chest or pressure. This can last a few minutes and can sometimes stop and come back.

      Another sign is pain in one or both of the arms. This mainly occurs in the left arm. Many may also feel pain in the neck, back or stomach. Shortness of breath is another sign.

      Other symptoms caused by a heart attack are nausea, vomiting, sweating and becoming lightheaded.

    Fatal Heart Attacks

    • Normally when someone has a fatal heart attack, they experience some of the other symptoms of a heart attack. Sometimes these symptoms are mild enough to be ignored. These symptoms can go away or last off and on for days. Each time these symptoms occur, it causes the heart to become weaker. Damage done is irreversible. This can cause a fatal heart attack resulting in death.

    Insight

    • Warnings happen for a reason, but most tend to ignore them. If someone experiences these symptoms, they should seek medical help. Never ignore the possibility that it could be a heart attack. Tests can be done and medication given to stop heart attacks. Catching them early may just save your life.

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