Death from Heart Attack
In 90 percent of the people this happens to, there is a build of fatty deposits which leads to a narrowing of the arteries. Unfortunately, it appears that most of us could have this problem but fail to see warning signs. Scarring from a previous heart attack is found in approximately two thirds of victims. When sudden cardiac (meaning of the heart or heart-related), death occurs in young adults, other heart abnormalities are more likely to be the cause. Adrenaline (a hormone) which is released during intense physical or athletic activity often acts as a trigger for sudden death when these abnormalities are present. Under certain conditions, some heart medications and other drugs - as well as drug abuse - can lead to abnormal heart rhythms that cause sudden cardiac death.
Just in case you were wondering just how all of this might apply to you just take a look at the statistics:
More than 250,000 die before they reach hospital (The British Heart Foundation, 2004)
50% wait more than 2 hours before getting help (The British Heart Foundation, 2004)
12.5 million of the estimated 32 million worldwide heart attacks are fatal (Integrated Management of Cardiovascular Risk , WHO, 2002)
40-75% of all victims die before reaching hospital (Integrated Management of Cardiovascular Risk, WHO, 2002)
1,400 people die each day from a heart attack in the US (W.H. Howard, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.C., F.A.C.P., How to protect your heart from your doctor)
Food for thought isn't it? (and not fatty foods either!)
The pain of a heart attack can stop you in your tracks. It can feel as if someone has tied a belt around your chest and is pulling it tighter and tighter until your breath is gone. People have described the pain as crushing, tightening, constricting and pressing.
What a horrible thought! I don't think I would like to die this way!
Luckily, there are many resources at hand...
Just about every country has a 'Heart Foundation' of some sort of another. There is lots of information on the Web and plenty of new drugs and preventative treatment in the offing.
I think we just need to remember:
All things in moderation (only some more than others!)
Published by Rebecca Said
Rebecca Said enjoys writing about a wide variety of subjects. Strong interests include animal welfare, dogs and cats, internet marketing and politics. View profile
- New England Journal of Medicine Study on Heart Attack PatientsOn June 23, 2005, The New England Journal of Medicine published findings of a recent study regarding sudden death after a heart attack.
The Deadly Differences Between Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack Since the June 25th 2009 news announcement surrounding the death of the famous "King of Pop", Michael Jackson, more and more individuals are curious to know the differences betw...- How "Sudden" is "Sudden Cardiac Death?"This study examined the events immediately prior to "Sudden Cardiac Death" and found that in many instances the victim had symptoms that were directly related to heart disease.
- Stopping or Cutting Down on Smoking Cuts Heart Attack Death RiskIn an eye opening study, the TAU researchers found that people who have never smoked have a lower risk of death after a heart attack, compared to people who smoke persistently.
Heart Attack: Do You Know the Best Hospital to Go to for Treatment?Heart Attack: Do You Know The Best Hospital to Go to For Treatment?
- What to Do If Your Loved One is Having a Heart Attack
- Hydrogen Sulfide Limits Heart Muscle Damage During Heart Attack
- How to Prevent a Heart Attack
- Heart Attack Blood Tests: Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) and Troponin
- Heart Attack Risk Factors and Symptoms
- DJ Unk Wants Listeners to 'Smoke On,' Did He Learn from Heart Attack Scare?
- Prevent Heart Attack Risk During the Holidays with These 5 Tips