Every year, more than one million Americans experience a cardiac event such
as
cardiac arrest or a heart attack. Although people may use these two terms interchangeably, and some of the
symptoms can be the same, they are different conditions. Both require
immediate medical attention.
Cardiac arrest
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating or it beats so fast that
it stops pumping blood. With cardiac arrest, you typically collapse and lose
consciousness quickly. During cardiac arrest, seconds matter. If you see
someone go into cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 immediately and perform
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until help arrives. The emergency
dispatcher can talk you through the steps.
Common signs before cardiac arrest include:
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
Heart attack
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is disrupted, due to a
blockage in a blood vessel. This reduces the amount of oxygen that is
carried to the heart, which damages the heart muscle.
Common signs of a heart attack include:
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pain in the jaw, back, arms, or shoulders
• Weakness and fatigue
• Nausea or indigestion
• Collapse
Men and Women May Have Different Symptoms
Although more men than women are diagnosed with heart disease, it is the
leading cause of death for all adults over age 65.
Most heart attacks produce chest pain, but
women
are more likely than men to experience a
“silent
heart attack.” This type of heart attack has less typical symptoms such
as back or jaw pain, fatigue, or indigestion. People may mistakenly dismiss
these symptoms, thinking they are just feeling unwell or pulled a muscle.
But if these symptoms come on suddenly, you should seek immediate medical
attention.
Risk Factors at Any Age
Cardiac events occur more frequently in older adults, but younger people can
be at risk. Local organizations like
Aidan’s Heart Foundation
and Simon’s Heart
were started by parents to
raise awareness about sudden cardiac arrest in children.
There are lots of factors that increase your risk for cardiac events, such
as:
• Family history. If you have a
grandparent, parent, sibling, aunt, or uncle
who has heart disease, you may be at increased risk.• High blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure stresses your
blood vessels and increases your risk for cardiac events.• High cholesterol. Cholesterol is a
waxy substance
that can build up inside blood vessels and limit blood flow to the heart.• Sleep disorders. People who have
insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and sleep apnea
are at greater risk for heart disease.• Lack of exercise. Your heart is a muscle, and exercise
makes it stronger. It also helps manage weight, reduce stress, and improve
sleep quality, which are all good for your heart.• Unhealthy food choices. Processed foods with high levels of
salt, sugar, fat, and cholesterol are bad for your heart. Choose healthier
foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grain
foods that are high in fiber.• Smoking. Tobacco use is associated with an increased risk of
cardiac events. Smoking cessation programs or products can help you quit for
good.• Alcohol. Too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure and
your risk of cardiac events. Try to limit alcohol consumption.• Social determinants of health. There are
disparities in risk for heart disease
for people of color, particularly Black Americans and Native Americans, due
to systemic factors that disproportionately expose them to environmental and
social risk factors. People of color should get regular checkups and ask
their primary care doctor about their risks.
If you have even one of these risk factors, you should talk to your primary
care doctor. While you cannot control all risk factors, you should try to
change the ones you can. Your doctor can help you identify ways to lower
your risk.
Heart Health and Mental Health
The
relationship between heart health and mental health
is powerful. After a cardiac event, it’s common for people to experience
anxiety, depression, and even post-traumatic stress disorder. Some may
withdraw from family and friends out of fear or embarrassment.
Similarly, mental health issues can affect your heart. Stress, anxiety, and
depression can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, both of which
negatively impact heart health. Studies show that people who experience high
levels of stress, like
veterans and people of color, tend to have higher rates of heart disease.
Resources
The
American Heart Association
offers an
online support network
for people with heart disease, as well as a digital library of resources on
heart health.
A nutritionist or dietitian can help you develop a heart-healthy food plan.
In fact, many Independence Blue Cross (IBX) plans have benefits for up to
six visits with a dietitian.
IBX members also have access to
Registered Nurse Health Coaches
who can listen to your health concerns, answer your questions, and offer
support.
Take the Next Step
The blueprint for a healthy heart starts with talking to your primary care
doctor. They can discuss your risk factors for cardiac events, as well as
lifestyle modifications or medicines that may improve your health. They may
also suggest you see a cardiologist (heart doctor) for additional testing.
And if you have mental health concerns, your primary care doctor can also
offer recommendations to improve your emotional well-being.
This content was originally published on
IBX Insights.
About Richard Snyder, M.D.
Richard Snyder, M.D., is the executive vice president of Facilitated Health
Networks at Independence Health Group (Independence). He leads the strategic
direction of work Independence does to redefine care delivery and promote
equitable, whole-person health. This includes the company’s strategic work
with physicians and health systems, as well as innovative provider contracts
to drive improvements in health care quality and costs for Independence’s
members.