An American male has a one in five chance of having a heart attack before the age of 65, according to the American Heart Association.

The Air Intelligence Agency has lost three people to heart attacks during the past year. The latest was Master Sgt. Carl Oliver, an airborne operations chief who was deployed to the 4416th Intelligence Squadron (Provisional) at Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia.

Col. Mel Antonio, AIA flight surgeon said, "Past physicals did not indicate that Oliver had heart problems. Routine physical exams do not give thorough risk assessment for heart attack. Oliver had slightly elevated blood pressure, but no medication was prescribed and there were no further medical concerns."

To minimize risks, a person should see a physician for a physical examination as well as an examination of lifestyle and habits.

"A program to reduce risks can be made for you," said Antonio. "Factors include aerobic exercise, smoking cessation, proper nutrition, stress reduction and weight control. The right combination varies from person to person."

According to the AHA, most deaths associated with heart attacks occur within two hours of the first pain. Getting immediate attention is the key to survival and recovery. The symptoms of a heart attack vary, but these are the most common ones:

Intense pain or feeling of pressure or tightness in the center of the chest that lasts for two minutes or more

Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, jaw, arms, back or upper abdomen

These symptoms accompanied by lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea and/or shortness of breath.

In May 1996, Col. Regner Rider, vice commander of AIA, suffered angina brought on by mild exertion. Angina is chest pain associated with an insufficient supply of blood to the heart. It is marked by painful suffocation or spasms and can lead to a heart attack.

An accomplished command pilot in his mid-40's, Rider was an example to the people under his command. His weight was well within limits and he exercised frequently. His cholesterol was 180 and blood pressure, although high, was controlled.

"Don't think you're safe if your weight and cholesterol are under control. I suffered artery blockage due to stress. In the long run, you need to control stress and learn to live with it," said Rider, who was 46 at the time of his attack.

Walking across the hilly terrain of Syracuse University is a regular part of life for students at that New York campus. But for Rider, it was just such a stroll which triggered his symptoms.

"Before I got to class, I had to stop. I was out of breath, my lungs were burning and I was dizzy. I knew something was out of synch," he said.

Many people who experience the symptoms of a heart attack will deny the signs and try to rationalize that it's something minor, like heartburn or the flu, according to the AHA. Several opened packages of heartburn medication were found in Oliver's quarters, suggesting that he confused heartburn with a heart condition.

For Rider, it was cold and wet at Syracuse and he was suffering from a slight cold. He thought the pains would go away with the passing of the seasons, but it didn't get better.

"After three weeks, I was still feeling severe angina pains so I went to the doctor. His diagnosis was that my left descending artery, the one that pumps out blood, was 75 percent blocked," he said.

Rider's doctor suggested that the attack was brought on by cumulative job-related stress over a period of time. Rider had been a flying wing commander for four years.

Life has changed for Rider since the attack. "I've worked at handling stress on the job better and I feel better than I have in a long time," he said. Rider modified his diet to a low-fat, low-cholesterol one. He also exercises more religiously. Rider has been medically disqualified from flying, but he is appealing that decision.

Rider advises everyone to be aware of angina symptoms from their mid-30's on. "The symptoms are different for each person. Don't be paranoid, but be aware," he said.

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