Healthy Living

If the blood supply to the heart muscle is cut off, a heart attack can result. Cells in the heart muscle do not receive enough oxygen and begin to die. The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart. Having high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol, smoking, and having had a previous heart attack, stroke, or diabetes can increase a person's chances of having a heart attack.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

The five major symptoms of a heart attack are—

* Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
* Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.
* Chest pain or discomfort.
* Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.
* Shortness of breath.