Behaviors that can cause a heart attack



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A heart attack occurs in the United States every 40 seconds.

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when part of the heart muscle does not receive enough blood.

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The more time that goes without treatment, the greater the damage to the heart muscle, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While coronary artery disease is the main cause of heart attack, a severe spasm or sudden contraction of a coronary artery can also stop blood flow to the heart muscle.

Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, feeling weak, feeling weak or dizzy, pain in one or both arms or shoulders, shortness of breath, and pain or discomfort in the jaw , neck or back.

Women are more likely to have symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or unexplained fatigue.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

There are several factors to watch out for that can increase your risk of heart disease and heart attack.

About half of all Americans have at least one of the three main risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

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While some risk factors cannot be controlled, such as age or genetics, other behaviors that lead to increased risk can be.

For example, a diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol has been linked to heart disease and related conditions.

Too much salt in the diet can also increase blood pressure.

Not getting enough physical activity can lead to heart disease and increase your risk for other health problems that are risk factors, such as obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Drinking too much alcohol can also raise blood pressure levels and increase the risk of heart disease and blood triglyceride levels.

Smoking increases the risk of heart disease and heart attack.

The CDC says that cigarettes can damage the heart and blood vessels, that nicotine increases blood pressure, and that the carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke reduces the amount of oxygen the blood can carry.

The The Mayo Clinic warns that using street drugs – including stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines – can trigger coronary artery spasm.

Exposure to second-hand smoke may also increase the risk of heart disease.

Those who notice the symptoms of a heart attack should call 911 immediately.

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