A heart attack is a serious medical emergency that can lead to death if not treated promptly. The survival rate for a heart attack largely depends on how quickly a person receives medical attention and the level of damage to the heart.

Certain risk factors, such as age, gender, and overall health status, can also affect a person’s chances of surviving a heart attack. Take this heart attack survival test to determine your risk level and learn tips for prevention and early intervention.

Step 1: Assess Your Risk Factors

The following risk factors can increase your likelihood of having a heart attack:.

Age: Men over 45 and women over 55 are at a higher risk of a heart attack.
Family history: If a close relative has had a heart attack, your risk increases.
High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage your heart over time, making you more vulnerable to heart attacks.
High cholesterol: Cholesterol buildup in the arteries can increase your risk of a heart attack.
Smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels and contributes to plaque buildup.
Diabetes: Diabetes can damage your blood vessels and nerves, increasing your risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can strain your heart and increase your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol.

If you have two or more of these risk factors, your chance of having a heart attack within the next 10 years is higher than average.

Step 2: Recognize the Symptoms of a Heart Attack

The following symptoms may indicate a heart attack:.

Chest pain or discomfort that lasts for several minutes or comes and goes
Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, or back
Shortness of breath
Nausea, lightheadedness, or cold sweats

It’s important to note that some heart attacks are “silent,” meaning they don’t cause any obvious symptoms. This is more common in older adults, women, and people with diabetes.

If you have any risk factors for heart disease, it’s important to get regular check-ups and screenings to monitor your heart health.

Step 3: Take Action

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above or suspect you may be having a heart attack, take the following steps:.

Call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Chew aspirin if you are not allergic to it and your doctor has not advised against it.
Rest quietly and try to stay calm until emergency medical personnel arrive.

Step 4: Prevention

The following tips can reduce your risk of a heart attack:.

Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.
Eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Quit smoking, or don’t start if you haven’t already.
Manage your stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or therapy.
Get regular check-ups and screenings to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other key factors.

: Your Heart Attack Survival Test Result

Based on your risk factors and symptoms, your chance of surviving a heart attack is:.

Low: 5-10%.

While no one can predict with certainty whether they will have a heart attack, your results suggest that you are at a relatively low risk compared to the general population.

However, it’s still important to take preventive measures to maintain your heart health and seek medical attention right away if you experience any concerning symptoms.