How to Survive a Heart Attack

When a heart attack strikes, it often hits you swiftly and without warning. There are precious few moments that can make the difference between a tragic outcome and survival. Minimizing the damage done to heart tissue and reopening blockages immediately are crucial in the first hours after a heart attack.
Do you have the information necessary to survive the human’s leading killer?
After a heart attack, time is very limited and the figures staggering for human’s number one killer.
Being a heart attack survivor comes down to two basic elements: recognition and action.
If you live with risk factors like high cholesterol, being middle-aged or older, obese, sedentary, a smoker, a diabetic, overweight or have a family history of heart disease, then you should recognize that you are in jeopardy, and should be prepare yourself if the need arises.
People with one or more of these risk factors must really pay attention to their bodies because what seems like indigestion or muscle ache can actually be something much more serious.
"The first three to six hours after the onset of the heart attack are utterly critical," explains Richard N. Fogoros, M.D, a practitioner for over 20 years, researcher and author in the fields of cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology.
“If the artery can be opened within the first few hours after the blockage occurs, much of the dying heart muscle can be saved, much of the permanent heart damage can be avoided, and the patient's risk of death or permanent disability can be greatly diminished.”
Dr. Fogoros suggests that if a person having a heart attack tries to “ride it out” for a while, not wanting to go to the hospital and hoping the symptoms are something less serious, “the delay can lead to devastating and permanent results.”
The most vital thing to remember when a heart attack strikes is that every minute is critically important. Dr. Fogoros also recommends taking an aspirin while you’re waiting for the paramedics or while being driven to the hospital.
When you arrive at the hospital, don’t act is if it could just be indigestion or some other lesser problem, suggests Dr. Fogoros. To get the immediate attention you need he recommends you say these magic words: "I think I'm having a heart attack." It will expedite the process move you to the front of the line
The most important aspects of surviving a heart attack are recognizing that something’s seriously wrong and getting immediate medical attention. So, err on the side of caution and heed these warning signs:
Heart Attack Warning Signs
Some heart attacks are sudden and intense -- the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
 Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
 Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

 Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
 Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting and back or jaw pain.
If you or someone you’re with experiences chest discomfort -- particularly if one or more of these other signs are present -- wait no more than five minutes before calling 9-1-1, and get to a hospital immediately.
“Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment,” reports the AHA. “Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive -- up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff is also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance usually receive faster treatment at the hospital, too.”
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is also recommended to minimize damage to the heart. Learning CPR could save the life of someone close to you if the necessity should arise, and it’s easy to become certified.
In only four hours, you can easily learn CPR through one of the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver CPR and Heartsaver AED courses. Heartsaver classes help develop confidence in performing CPR and using an AED through hands-on practice. If you’ve already been trained, take the time to renew your skills every two years.
opefully, because of a healthy, active lifestyle, you’ll never need this information. But, just in case disaster does rear its ugly head, you’ll have the knowledge necessary to survive a heart attack.