About Heart Attacks
A heart attack is also known as a myocardial infarction (MI) or a coronary. The heart must have oxygen to survive. Plaque (waxy substance that builds up and clogs the arteries) prevents the blood from carrying oxygen to areas of the heart muscle. When the oxygen supply to an area of the heart muscle has been stopped for a period of time, permanent damage results. This permanent heart damage is called a heart attack.

Symptoms of a heart attack

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest, lasting more than a few minutes.
• Pain spreading to the shoulders, arms, neck, jaw or back.
• Chest discomfort with light=headedness, fainting, nausea, sweating or shortness of breath.

What changes should I make?

• If you smoke, quit.
• Exercise on a regular basis.
• Control high blood pressure.
• Eat healthy, low-fat meals. Lose weight if needed.
• Take your medications as prescribed.