A heart attack happens when the blood that flows through the heart is blocked. When blood is blocked, oxygen can’t enter the heart. The heart muscle then stops beating causing someone to die.

• Chest discomfort – often at the center of the chest. It usually lasts for few minutes and it comes and goes, then comes back in. It includes chest squeezing, chest fullness and chest pain.

• Upper body discomfort – pain and discomfort of right and left arms, back, stomach, neck and jaw.

• Difficulty in breathing – or shortness of breath

• Other signs like cold sweat, nausea, light-headedness, fainting, over-fatigue, palpitation, anxiety and panic.

• Symptoms of actual cardiac arrest

• Have the person sit down and rest to keep him calm.
• Loosen his tight clothing
• If the person is still unconscious, perform 1 minute of CPR
• Call 911 or paramedics immediately.

• Do not leave the person alone except of course if there is no one else to call for help.
• Do not wait for the symptoms to go away.
• Do not give the person a heart medication by mouth unless he has been prescribed to take such medicines before.
• Do not any more minutes to call 911 no matter what happens.

Cardiac arrest, heart attack and other heart diseases are the most common cause of death nowadays. People should take necessary actions to control the risk of heart complications such as:

• Quit smoking. It’s hard to do this but it’s worth not risking your heart and your over-all health as well.

• Loose weight. Exercise regularly to maintain a healthy heart and a healthy lifestyle.

• Limit your alcohol intake. Too much alcohol could damage not only your heart but other medical problems as well.

• Monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes tracks.

• Eat heart-friendly foods like oats, prunes, grapes, and other fruits and veggies. Avoid too much fatty foods.

• Avoid tiring activities like lifting heavy things and excessive work outs.

• Be happy and avoid stress. A happy life is always the key to a healthy life.