A
widow-maker heart attack is an informal term used to describe a sudden heart attack caused by 100 percent blockage in the
left anterior descending (LAD) artery which is a critical blood vessel. Like all heart attacks, widow-maker heart attack is fatal for both men and women.
Risk factors
- Smoking;
- Hypertension;
- High cholesterol;
- Genetics;
- Diabetes.
Symptoms
- Arm and chest pain
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
In addition, there are different symptoms when a widow-maker heart attack affects women. Women are more likely to feel
fatigue,
nausea and
sudden sweating.
Treatments
When you suspect you are experiencing a widow-maker heart attack:
- It’s extremely important to call or ask someone call 911 immediately.
- Do not drive by yourself to hospital.
- On the way to hospital, well-trained paramedics could administer CPR and apply an automated external defibrillator (AED) to shock or “reset” the heart.
- After you arrive at hospital, professionals would provide further lifesaving treatment.
Please remember that
every minute counts when encountering a widow-maker heart attack.
Key words: widow-maker heart attack; left anterior descending (LAD) artery; CPR; automated external defibrillator (AED).
