Heart disease-- it remains the number one epidemic in the United States. As the years pass by, victims are becoming younger and the occurrence greater. Each year 27.6 million Americans are diagnosed with heart disease. Of the 27.6 million Americans, more than 600,000 die of a heart attack (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

College students are no exception. With their strenuous schedules, being away from home, balancing work and school, and unhealthy eating habits, college students are at a greater risk of having a heart attack or other heart conditions; particularly a stress-induced heart attack.

A stress-induced heart attack occurs when white blood cells are elevated; fats and other substances build up within the vessel and cause a blood flow to decrease or be completely stopped which could cause plaque rupturing. When a blood flow is hindered within one of the arteries on the heart, the heart can no longer receive vital oxygen and other nutrients, causing cells of the heart to die or infarct; thus the term myocardial infarction or heart attack.

Another way a stress-induced heart attack can occur is through high moments of stress. When the body is under high moments of stress, hormones are released into the body. Sometimes these hormones cause dispersal of bacterial films that cover the arteries of the heart and cause plaque to break loose, causing a heart attack.

Both stress over time and immediate stress can cause the heart to become deprived of oxygen and cause a heart attack. Once an individual has demonstrated signs of a heart attack, every minute counts in order to preserve the function of that individual's heart.

The signs of a heart attack are:

1. Pressure or squeezing in the center of the chest

2. Shooting pain that Spreads to shoulders, arms, neck, or jaw

3. Nausea, dizziness, fainting or sudden abnormal sweating

4. Shortness of breath

5. Heartburn or indigestion-like pain

If you or someone you know is presenting with these signs, immediately call 9-1-1 or your campus police department.

So how can a college student lower their risk of sustaining a heart attack? First and foremost, find ways to reduce your stress. Take time out of each day to relax and unwind. Exercising is wonderful in that it promotes a healthy lifestyle and allows for students to reduce their stress levels.

Change some of your eating habits. Yes, fast-food companies provide convenience with their fast food, but they're not all that healthy. Your school's cafeteria may have options that are healthy alternatives to fast food. Make sure you are eating balanced meals three times a day.

Don't hesitate to communicate to the cafeteria manager. If you do begin to feel stressed out and overwhelmed, talk to someone. Your university's campus should offer people whom you can talk to such as: counselors, university police officers, resident assistants, and other staff members. The biggest problem that I see is that students wait until it is too late to get help. The moment you initially begin to feel stressed and overwhelmed, talk to someone; it could potentially save your life.