Heart attack is one of the scariest health conditions anyone could experience. Despite seeming like a sudden event, there are some warning signs that one should look out for to avoid major damage.

This article shares survival stories from three men who had heart attacks. Their experiences can help you understand what to expect and how to handle a heart attack.

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked.

This blockage is usually caused by cholesterol accumulation, which narrows the arteries, making it difficult for oxygenated blood to flow to the heart. As a result, the heart muscle starves of oxygen and nutrients, which can lead to irreversible damage.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Some common warning signs of heart attacks include:.

Chest pain or discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, or fullness such as in stories of men who had heart attacks shared below.
Pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulders, or back
Shortness of breath
Cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness

Survival Stories from 3 Men

Mike S.

Mike S., a 52-year-old man, had his first heart attack while driving his car. He said he felt a sudden discomfort in his chest and a shooting pain in his left arm, which made him stop the car and call an ambulance.

Before the ambulance arrived, the pain had spread to his back, and he started sweating. He was rushed to the hospital and was diagnosed with a blockage in his left coronary artery. The doctors performed an angioplasty and inserted a stent to keep Mike’s artery open.

Mike spent a few days at the hospital recovering and was advised to take it easy for a few weeks. Since then, he has made lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

John T.

John T., a 60-year-old man, had his heart attack while playing golf with his friends. He said he felt a sudden tightness in his chest that wouldn’t go away, and he was out of breath. His friends called an ambulance, and he was taken to the hospital.

John was found to have multiple blockages in his coronary arteries. The doctors performed a bypass surgery to improve the blood flow to his heart.

John spent a few weeks in the hospital recovering and then went to a rehabilitation center to undergo cardiac rehabilitation, which included monitored exercise, nutrition counseling, and stress reduction. Since then, John has learned to manage his stress and has kept himself healthy through exercise and healthy eating.

Tom W.

Tom W., a 45-year-old man, had his first heart attack while on vacation with his family. He said he felt a sudden dizziness and shortness of breath. He then felt a crushing pain in his chest that wouldn’t stop.

His wife called an ambulance, and he was taken to the hospital. Tom was diagnosed with a blockage in one of his coronary arteries and underwent an angiogram. The doctors then performed an angioplasty and inserted a stent to keep his artery open.

Tom spent a few days in the hospital recovering and was advised to take it easy for a while. Since then, Tom has made significant lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking, changing his diet, and participating in regular exercise programs.

How Can You Prevent a Heart Attack?

Heart attacks are preventable. Some prevention tips include:.

Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean protein sources
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Not smoking
Managing stress

Final Thoughts

Surviving a heart attack can be scary, but it is possible. Knowing the warning signs and prevention tips, as well as making healthy lifestyle changes, can help you avoid a heart attack or survive one if you end up having one.

Every story of surviving a heart attack shares a common need of immediate medical attention. Trust your intuition and seek help as soon as you sense a heart attack coming your way.