The Warning Signs   What is a heart attack? When one or more blood vessels feeding the heart are completely blocked, a heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs. Since heart muscle needs blood to live, parts of the heart begin to die without blood. If the heart attack is severe enough and help is not immediate, the person dies.   Why heart attacks happen Plaque buildup caused by a high fat, high cholesterol diet, smoking and heredity causes the arteries in the heart to narrow. A heart attack happens when one or more arteries close fully or when a blood clot lodges in the narrowed passageway.   Symptoms of a heart attack If you experience steady chest pain accompanied by light headedness, cold sweats, or shortness of breath, or if you're with someone else who experiences these symptoms, don't wait longer than 15 minutes before calling 911. In a heart attack, every minute counts. Just so there's no misunderstanding, don't rationalize, minimize or deny. Call 911 if you or someone you're with experiences these symptoms -- Chest pressure, squeezing or pain that lasts longer than a few minutes, intensifies AND does not go away if you change positions, burp or pass gas. Shortness of breath Accompanying discomfort in the jaw, neck, shoulders, arms or back Nausea, sweating, feeling weak or lightheaded   Medical terms Angina Pectoris or angina is a recurring pain or discomfort in the chest area that occurs because some part of the heart muscle does not get enough blood. Angina feels like a squeezing pressure, usually under the breast bone. Pain can also occur in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaws or back. Angina does not mean that heart muscle is suffering irreversible, permanent damage. It does mean, though, that heart disease is present. A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, by contrast, is caused by the complete and permanent blockage of a vessel carrying blood to a part of the heart. Heart muscle dies due to this lack of blood. When the damage covers a large enough area, death can occur if the person does not receive proper care early enough. Not all chest pain is from the heart and not all pain from the heart is angina. If the pain lasts for less than 30 seconds and goes away during a deep breath or by changing positions, it is NOT angina. But remember, prolonged pain that is not relieved by rest and is accompanied by other symptoms, may signal a heart attack. DO NOT WAIT MORE THAN 15 MINUTES TO CALL 911. Being safe is always better if you think you or someone else is experiencing angina. Let us repeat Don't Wait, call 911 immediately!   PROGRAM INFORMATION | PREVENTING HEART DISEASE | THE IMPACT OF EARLY TREATMENT | ORGANIZATIONS THAT CAN HELP | HEALTHY HEART MAIN PAGE    © 1998 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.