Who Is at Risk for a Heart Attack?

There is a difference between heart attack and stroke, although the after-effects on either one can be devastating. During a heart attack, the heart muscle actually does not get enough blood to it causing damage to part of the heart. The reason the heart isn't getting enough blood is usually because of a blood clot or plaque buildup.

A stroke, on the other hand, is caused by not enough blood getting to the brain, which can cause brain damage. Sometimes this is evident by half of the body being numb, and trouble speaking or smiling, and loss of vision on one side only.

Signs of an impending heart attack in men

Chest painShortness of breathHeart palpitationsWeakness or dizzinessNauseaSweating

Signs and symptoms of heart attack in women

Symptoms of a potential heart attack in women can be similar to men, but there are also other signs as well. These other signs are:

A feeling of heaviness in their chest, so much so as to make it hard to catch their breath.Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the stomach, jaw, back and/or the neck.Shortness of breath, just as with men.Some women said they felt like they had the flu with symptoms such as nausea, sweating, and breaking out into a cold sweat.

Ways to prevent a heart attack

High blood pressure and stress are huge factors in what ails arteries and blood vessels. Learning how to lower blood pressure goes hand in hand with keeping your heart healthy. It is as simple as making some changes to the choices you make every day. These choices are:

Deciding what to eatDeciding when to go to bed and when to wake upDeciding whether or not to exercise (yes, not exercising IS a decision)Deciding to smoke, and then if you do smoke, how muchDeciding to drink alcohol, how much to drink, or not to drink alcoholHow much water you drink each day

ALL of these decisions affect your potential of having a heart attack or a stroke. When you see someone in the public eye having to get a stent because of having a heart attack, or worse yet, if you know someone who had a heart attack or stroke, it makes you realize how fragile life is. And if that someone is you, and you have that feeling of impending doom that has been mentioned by some who have gone through the experience, it is downright scary.

If you are having these symptoms, see your doctor or emergency room. After that, the easiest idea is to make a plan. The basics are:

Eat less sodium.Get at least seven hours of sleep every night.Walk for thirty minutes every dayStop smokingLimit alcoholAim for ten -8 ounce glasses of water every day

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