Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. experiences a heart attack, affecting more than 800,000 Americans each year. Michigan is ranked seventh in the nation for the number of annual deaths from heart disease and strokes.
“It’s easy to think of a heart attack as something that happens to other people until it happens to you or someone you love,” said Dr. Charles Bloom, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Health Alliance Plan (HAP). “Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States and in Michigan, yet many people don’t realize how common heart attacks are or how preventable many of them can be.”
Health organizations across Michigan, including HAP, continue to emphasize heart health education as preventable heart disease affects thousands of families each year.
“Heart attacks are still widely misunderstood,” Bloom said. “Some happen suddenly with severe symptoms, while others develop quietly and may go unnoticed. Understanding how heart attacks occur, recognizing warning signs and addressing risk factors early can significantly reduce long-term health risks.”
What happens during a heart attack?
A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. This interruption deprives the heart of oxygen and nutrients, which can cause permanent damage if not treated promptly, according to the American Heart Association.
Most heart attacks are linked to coronary artery disease, a condition caused by plaque buildup in the arteries. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat and other substances. If plaque ruptures, it can trigger a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the heart.
While chest pain and shortness of breath are widely recognized symptoms, heart attacks do not always present the same way. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about one in five heart attacks are considered silent, producing mild or atypical symptoms such as fatigue, nausea or indigestion. Even without dramatic warning signs, silent heart attacks can still cause serious and lasting damage.
Symptoms of a heart attack may include:
- Chest pain or discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes.
- Feeling weak, lightheaded or faint, sometimes accompanied by a cold sweat.
- Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, arms or shoulders.
- Shortness of breath, which may occur with or without chest discomfort.
- Unusual or unexplained tiredness.
- Nausea or vomiting.
Women are more likely than men to experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue or pain in the neck, jaw, upper abdomen or back. Some women may have no noticeable symptoms at all.
When to call 9-1-1
Health officials advise calling 9-1-1 immediately if someone experiences chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, unexplained fatigue, heart palpitations or swelling in the legs or abdomen. Prompt medical attention can be lifesaving.
Prevention starts early
“The first step in prevention is talking with a doctor,” Bloom said. “While some risk factors such as age, genetics and family history cannot be changed, many others can be managed. Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol is especially important, along with quitting smoking, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing excess sodium, alcohol and stress. These factors can damage blood vessels, increase inflammation and contribute to plaque buildup that restricts blood flow to the heart.”
Preventive care and routine health screenings play an important role in identifying heart disease risk early, before symptoms become more serious. Because heart disease typically develops gradually, education, screenings and healthy lifestyle habits remain key tools in reducing the risk of heart attacks and improving long-term heart health.
For more health education, visit the HAP website here.
HAP and its subsidiaries do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or health status in the administration of the plan, including enrollment and benefit determinations.