Heart Attacks Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States. Every day approximately 1,500 people die from heart attacks. Thousands more suffer paralyzing effects of some form and remain disabled for the rest of their lives. A simple definition of heart attack is a sudden collapse of the heart resulting from a blockage or blockage of a coronary artery. Basically, this means that the heart is no longer receiving the blood supply it needs to function properly. A person who has had a heart attack feels severe pain in the chest that extends to the left shoulder and arm. Heart attacks occur for a variety of reasons. Diet, genetics, obesity and lack of exercise are all factors that contribute to heart attacks. However, smoking and stress are the most widespread causes, affecting 2.5 million people every year. Therefore, smoking and stress are the two main causes of heart attacks. Smoking causes heart attacks. Tobacco in cigarettes and cigars contains a chemical called nicotine. When inhaled into the lungs, nicotine causes the release of hormones in the body. These hormones increase blood pressure. As a result, a person's heart rate increases by 15 to 25 beats per minute. Nicotine also causes blood vessels to contract. People who smoke have more difficulty keeping their hands and feet warm because their blood does not circulate as well as non-smokers. When the heart rate increases and the blood vessels remain narrowed for a prolonged period...