National Heart Attack Day

Happy person exercising, wearing workout attire, in a scenic park or gym setting.. — National heart attack day illustration

Welcome to National Heart Attack Day! Brace yourself, because this article is going to pump you up with some fascinating information about this day of awareness and remembrance. So grab a seat and a defibrillator, because we're about to dive into the history of National Heart Attack Day!

When is Heart Attack Day?

It's national heart attack day on the 8th November.

The Internet Origins of National Heart Attack Day

Every breath you take, every beat you make, there's someone online celebrating a national day. And National Heart Attack Day is no exception! This special day first made its way onto the digital scene with a whopping 213 mentions online. It seems like people were on the edge of their seats to commemorate this vital organ and raise awareness about heart health.

The most buzzing day for National Heart Attack Day in the online realm was on November 8th, 2016. It was a day filled with virtual chaos as people shared heartwarming stories, informative articles, and heart-centric memes. Whether they were sharing their personal experiences or spreading crucial information about heart disease prevention, everyone came together to make some noise about this important cause.

A Heart-Pounding Journey

National Heart Attack Day traces its roots back to the desire to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and the risks of heart disease. By dedicating a day to this cause, people are encouraged to learn about the signs and symptoms of heart attacks, as well as the steps they can take to protect their ticker.

This day serves as a reminder for all of us to prioritize our heart health by adopting good lifestyle habits. And hey, don't worry, we won't go all 'Dr. Heart' on you with a list of medical jargon. Instead, we'll focus on the fun and informative bits that will keep your heart racing with curiosity.

Fun Fact to Keep Your Pulse Racing

Did you know that heart attacks don't just happen to humans? Oh no, our animal friends can also experience this alarming event! Believe it or not, heart attacks have been recorded in dogs, cats, and even dolphins. So let's remember to keep our furry and finned friends in mind on National Heart Attack Day and ensure their well-being too!

History behind the term 'Heart Attack'

1768

Unraveling the Mystery

In 1768, the term 'heart attack' was first introduced by Dr. William Heberden, an English physician. He used the term to describe sudden and severe chest pain associated with the heart. This marked the beginning of the medical community's efforts to understand and classify this condition.

1912

Differentiating Heart Attacks

In 1912, Dr. James Herrick, an American physician, made a groundbreaking discovery. He recognized that some chest pain episodes were caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries, leading to a lack of blood flow to the heart muscle. Dr. Herrick's identification of these cases as 'coronary thrombosis' helped differentiate them from other types of chest pain and laid the foundation for understanding heart attacks better.

1928

Clarifying the Terminology

The year 1928 saw major progress in establishing a standardized terminology for heart-related conditions. The term 'myocardial infarction' was coined by cardiologist Dr. James B. Herrick. It refers specifically to heart muscle damage caused by a complete blockage of a coronary artery, resulting in the inadequate supply of oxygen-rich blood to the heart. 'Myocardial' relates to the heart muscle, and 'infarction' refers to tissue death caused by blood deprivation.

1939

Building Medical Knowledge

In 1939, Dr. Louis N. Katz and Dr. Paul Dudley White published a landmark paper that laid the groundwork for understanding the different types and causes of heart attacks. Their research helped identify the various patterns of chest pain associated with heart attacks, including the distinction between those with and without an actual blockage in the coronary arteries.

1950

EKG Revolutionizes Diagnosis

The advent of electrocardiography (EKG) in the 1950s revolutionized the diagnosis of heart attacks. This non-invasive technique allowed doctors to detect and analyze electrical activity in the heart, enabling them to diagnose heart attacks and monitor the heart's condition more accurately. EKGs became an essential tool in confirming myocardial infarctions and guiding treatment decisions.

1967

Unveiling the Culprit

In 1967, Dr. Henry I. Russek discovered a significant marker for heart attacks. He found that an enzyme called creatine kinase (CK) was released into the blood when heart muscle cells were damaged due to reduced blood flow. This discovery led to the development of blood tests that could measure CK levels, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of heart attacks.