What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, known as myocardial infarction, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the myocardium—the heart muscle responsible for contraction—cannot receive enough oxygen and nutrients. This typically results from the formation of plaques inside the coronary arteries due to cholesterol accumulation over time. When these plaques narrow the vessel or rupture, a blood clot forms, leading to partial or near-complete blockage of the coronary artery, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the heart muscle and ultimately causing a heart attack.
The sudden blockage of a coronary artery and the subsequent lack of oxygen supply to the heart muscle may result in permanent damage to cardiac tissue or even death. According to the World Health Organization, Turkey ranks first in Europe for heart attack risk in individuals under the age of 50. In our country, 200,000 people die each year due to heart attacks. Worldwide, heart attacks cause approximately 17 million deaths annually.
What Are the Causes of a Heart Attack?
Heart attack risk factors include:
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia (high blood lipid levels)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Chronic kidney disease
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Alcohol and substance use
- Unhealthy diet
- Stress
- Depression
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Gender (higher in men up to a certain age)
- Advancing age
What Are the Early Signs of a Heart Attack?
Although a heart attack occurs suddenly, symptoms may appear earlier. The most common early warning sign is chest pain, which may present as pressure, burning, tightness, or discomfort in the chest—usually on the left side. The pain may radiate to the left arm, shoulder, and jaw, and may be accompanied by numbness or a sensation of heaviness.
Unusual fatigue, abdominal pain (on an empty or full stomach), intermittent unexplained pain, and nausea may also signal early risk of a heart attack. Insomnia, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, and vomiting may occur just before a heart attack. Dizziness, lightheadedness, a choking sensation, and impaired consciousness are also possible warning signs.
What Should You Do If You Think You Are Having a Heart Attack?
If you experience any of the early warning symptoms described above, you should consult a cardiologist as soon as possible. If symptoms are severe, you must call emergency services (112) or go to the nearest emergency department.
If you feel like you are about to have a heart attack:
- Try to remain calm and avoid panic.
- If you are driving, pull over safely and call an ambulance immediately.
- If you are performing any physical activity, stop and move to a safe, quiet place to seek help.
- Avoid unnecessary movement; if standing, sit down.
- If you are in direct sunlight, move to a shaded area.
- Loosen tight clothing and focus on slow, steady breathing to stay calm until help arrives.
