Heart Attack Pictures List of Pictures Heart attack signs in women Related
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A heart attack occurs when part of the heart muscle suddenly dies due to a blockage in the blood vessels supplying that part of the heart. As the muscle is starved of blood and oxygen it can cause a severe squeezing sensation which radiates out from the center of the chest. Most heart attacks are caused by a blood clot (thrombus) blocking one of the coronary arteries, a typical outcome of coronary heart disease (CHD). The longer the blockage is in place, the greater the loss of heart muscle and the greater the risk of death. Most people mistakenly believe that a heart attack is a heart stoppage. This is not true. During a heart attack the heart continues to pump (but more weakly). If the heart were to suddenly stop pumping, the person would immediately collapse unconscious and die within minutes. This is known as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). |
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Plaque build up in the arteries and formation of a blood clot. This process is called atherosclerosis. |
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Bypass collateral arteries: Left heart has well-developed natural bypass vessels (coronary collaterals). The right heart has poorly developed natural bypass vessels which leads to a much larger area of damage (gray area) if a blockage occurs. |
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)  AED: Applying electric shock to sudden cardiac arrest victims. |
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WOMENS HEALTH ADVICE: ABOUT Heart Attacks in Women |
