Atheroschlerosis The build up of fatty plaque inside arteries making them lose their elasticity and become narrowed or blocked.

Angina Chest pain due to lack of oxygen (o2) in coronary arteries Felt – Once the artery is 75-80% blocked Symptoms – pressure, heaviness, indigestion, pain or numbness on left side, sweating, pale

Heart Attack Reduced blood flow/oxygen from coronary arteries causing damage to the heart muscle. Result – scars heart muscle, death of tissue, heart failure, even death (heart stops = cardiac arrest)

Heart Attack (cont) Symptoms- Same as angina except doesn’t go away or goes, but comes right back Some say- “Elephant on the Chest” Chest discomfort (center of chest lasting more than a few minutes or goes away and then comes back) Discomfort in other areas of upper body, often left or both arms, the back, jaw or stomach Other signs – cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness Women often have minimal or weak symptoms compared to men

Heart Attack (cont) Response- Call 911 Don’t wait longer than a couple of minutes before deciding to call 911 Go to hospital Stay with them Nitroglycerine under tongue (if prescribed) Aspirin to thin blood if they can swallow

Cardiac Arrest Heart suddenly stops beating! Maybe be from a heart attack Could be electrical shock, heart attack, drowning, major injury, etc. Response – Call 911! Start CPR if trained/certified

Congestive Heart Failure Ventricles stop pumping Blood flows back into heart May be result of dead tissue from a heart attack Can’t pump blood to other organs

Congestive Heart Failure (cont) Symptoms – –Shortness of breath –Swelling in legs (retaining fluid, can be other parts of body as well) -Extreme fatigue

Stroke BRAIN ATTACK Disruption of blood flow to the brain. Lack of blood flow to a specific area of the brain so that part of the brain tissue dies. Types- Ischemic – most common, blood clot goes to the brain Hemorraghic – arteries in the brain begin to burst (heavy smokers)

Stroke Warning Signs -Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg,especially on one side of the body -Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding -Trouble seeing in one or both eyes -Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance/coordination

Stroke (cont) Response- Call 911 Check time when symptoms 1 st appear Take action immediately If treated within first few hours clot- busting drug can be given to reduce long term disability

Statistics Coronary artery disease #1 killer in U.S. Stroke #3 killer in U.S.