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Heart attack. Number one killer in the world. And to our astonishment by 2020, India would be the largest affected with this ruthless assassin called Heart attack. Today, 1/5th of all deaths are because of Heart attack and by the year 2020, the figure would be 1/3rd. In addition to that, heart diseases in India occur at a very young age, when compared to the west. About 4.5 crore patients suffer from Heart attacks in India.
Heart attack is a situation when a part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies because it isn't receiving oxygen. Oxygen is carried to the heart by arteries (blood vessels) and most Heart attacks are caused by a blockage in these arteries. But in certain cases they are also caused by a blood clot that gets stuck in a narrow part of an artery to the heart.
How would you know it?
Some Heart attacks are sudden and intense, the typical "movie Heart attacks". 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 a few signs that can mean a Heart attack is on cards:
Chest discomfort: Most Heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for 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: Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach. Shortness of breath: May occur with or without chest discomfort.
Others: May include cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.
Who's at risk?
Anyone who is remotely related to the following are at risk of having a Heart attack:
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