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Cardiovascular diseases have been steadily rising in western countries, especially in the United States. These forms of diseases include hypertension and atherosclerosis, just to name a few common ones. However, both hypertension and atherosclerosis are known as risk factors that cause the worst outcomes of cardiovascular disease, a heart attack. As a matter of fact, heart attack remains the leading cause of death in the United States. With such staggering statistics, there are plenty of reasons for people to be concerned about cardiovascular disease and heart attack.

Medically known as myocardial infraction, a heart attack does not occur suddenly, but it is rather a result of prolonged problems in the cardiovascular system. Atherosclerosis is a condition that involves the build up of plaque inside the arteries. Over a period of time, the arteries become narrower and normal blood flow is compromised. Additionally, hypertension (high blood pressure) worsens the situations by applying extra pressure on the walls of the arteries. Eventually, the arteries can burst because of the excessive plaque and pressure in the arteries. When an artery bursts, it begins to clot. It is the clotting that ultimately leads to a heart attack. The clot blocks the flow of blood through the arteries and leads to death of any nearby tissue. By definition, a heart attack occurs when parts of the heart tissue die because of the lack of blood flow.

There are several immediate symptoms of a heart attack, and it is important to notice them as soon as possible. The most common sign of an impending heart attack is pain in the chest that may appear, disappear, and then come back again in a cycle that takes several minutes. Tingling followed by numbness in the limbs is also a common symptom of a heart attack. Shortness of breath and nausea usually follow the previously mentioned symptoms. Therefore, a heart attack victim should avoid driving to the hospital without by any help because the person may lose consciousness and muscle control while driving a vehicle. Anyone that carries the risk factors associated with heart attack must be prepared for this possibly fatal episode. For example, nitroglycerin tablets may be prescribed to temporary prove relief from the the symptoms of an incoming heart attack.

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