Mawi’s Andrew Klymenko discusses silent heart attacks
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An immigrant from the Dominican Republic, Maria Montez had her sights set on Hollywood. By her late 20s, the actress was signed by Universal Pictures and featured in the production of Boss of Bullion City (1940). A star of the Second World War years, Montez appeared in Arabian Nights (1942), Cobra Woman (1944), and Gypsy Wildcat (1944).
Yet, her fame would be short-lived as, on September 7, 1951, Montez was found dead in her bathtub.
Not yet 40, The Queen of Technicolour – as she was known as – had died from a heart attack, and had drowned after bathing in scalding water.
Only 39, she had left behind her young child, Tina, and her husband, Jean-Pierre Aumont.
What causes a heart attack in a person so young?
Usually, a heart attack is the result of coronary artery disease, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) says.
However, less common causes of a heart attack includes drug misuse, hypoxia (which is when there is a sudden drop in oxygen levels in the body), and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).
SCAD
The BHF explains: “SCAD is when a tear appears in the wall of a coronary artery, which supplies blood to your heart. In some cases this can lead to a heart attack.”
The charity elaborates: “Your coronary arteries are made up of three layers.
“SCAD happens when one or more of the inner layers of a coronary artery tears away from the outer layer.
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“Blood is able to flow into the space between the layers and a blood clot forms, reducing the flow of blood through the artery.”
Consequently, a heart attack could ensue or a cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops pumping blood around the body.
The “rare” condition occurs with “no apparent warning”, and it is most common in women under the age of 50.
Unfortunately, “the condition can’t currently be predicted or prevented”.
The BHF adds: “Those with SCAD are generally healthy. They often don’t smoke or have diabetes and aren’t usually overweight or obese.”
Further research is needed to better understand SCAD, but if the heart attack is not fatal, like it was with Montez, treatment can help the condition.
For instance, medication could be prescribed that helps to prevent blood clots, or blood pressure if necessary.
A stent might be inserted into the affected artery, or the person could undergo coronary artery bypass surgery.
These measures help to prevent a further, more damaging heart attack that could otherwise end your life.
Signs of a heart attack
The NHS says you should call the emergency services on 999 if you are feeling:
- Chest pain – a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across your chest
- Pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Sweaty
- Short of breath
- Nausea
- An overwhelming feeling of anxiety (similar to a panic attack)
- Coughing or wheezing.
Maria Montez starred in Arabian Nights, which is showcasing on Film 4 on Wednesday, November 16 at 11am.
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