Heart attack

Description

A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. Fatty acids, cholesterol-containing deposits are called plaques. The process of buildup of plaque is called atherosclerosis.

Sometimes, a plaque may rupture and form a clot that blocks the flow of blood. A lack of blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.

A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction.

The immediate treatment is needed for a heart attack to prevent death. Call 911 or emergency medical help if you think you may be having a heart attack.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a heart attack vary. Some people have mild symptoms. Other serious symptoms. Some people have no symptoms.

Common symptoms of heart attack include:

  • Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, pressure, or pain
  • The pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulders, arms, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or sometimes the upper part of the abdomen
  • Cold sweat
  • Fatigue
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Shortness of breath

Women may have atypical symptoms such as brief or acute pain felt in the neck, arm, or back. Sometimes, the first symptom is a sign of a heart attack is sudden cardiac arrest.

Some heart attacks strike suddenly. But many people have warning signs and symptoms hours, days or weeks in advance. Chest pain or pressure (angina) that is still going on and will not go away with rest may be an early sign of warning. Angina is caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the heart.

When to see a doctor

Get help right away if you think you're having a heart attack. Take these steps:

  • Call for emergency medical help. If you think you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. If you do not have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. The unit itself only if there are no other options.
  • Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed by a health care professional. Take it in accordance with the instructions while waiting for emergency assistance.
  • Take an aspirin, if recommended.Take aspirin during a heart attack can reduce the damage to the heart by preventing blood clotting. Aspirin can interact with other medications. Do not take aspirin unless your care provider or emergency medical personnel say to do so. Don't delay calling 911 to take an aspirin. Call for emergency assistance in the first place.

Take an aspirin, if recommended. Take aspirin during a heart attack can reduce the damage to the heart by preventing blood clotting.

Aspirin can interact with other medications. Do not take aspirin unless your care provider or emergency medical personnel say to do so. Don't delay calling 911 to take an aspirin. Call for emergency assistance in the first place.

What to do if you see someone who may be having a heart attack

If someone is unconscious and you think you're having a heart attack, first call 911 or your local emergency number. Then check to see if the person is breathing and has a pulse. If the person is not breathing or does not meet the pulse, only then should you begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

  • If you are a novice inCPR, doing hands-only CPR . That means pushing hard and fast on the chest of the person — about 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
  • If you're trained inCPR and confidence in your ability, start with 30 chest compressions before giving two breaths of rescue.

Causes

Coronary artery disease cause of most heart attacks. Disease of the coronary arteries, one or more of the heart (coronary) arteries are blocked. This is because the cholesterol-containing deposits, called plaques. Plaques can narrow the arteries, reducing the flow of blood to the heart.

If the plaque ruptures, it can cause a blood clot in the heart.

A heart attack can be caused by a partial or complete blockage of a heart (coronary) artery. A way to classify the heart attack is if an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) shows some specific changes (ST elevation) that require emergency invasive treatment. Your health care provider can use the electrocardiogram (ECG) of the results to describe these types of heart attacks.

  • A serious complete blockage of a medium or large artery of the heart means that you have had an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (AMI).
  • A partial obstruction often means that you have had a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). However, some people with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) have a total blockage.

Not all heart attacks are caused by a blockage of the arteries. Other causes include:

  • Spasm of the coronary artery. This is a severe contraction of the blood vessels that are not blocked. The artery generally has cholesterol plaques or there are early hardening of the vessel due to the habit of smoking or other risk factors. Other names for coronary artery spasms Prinzmetal's angina, vasospastic angina or variant angina.
  • Certain infections. COVID-19 and other viral infections can cause damage to the heart muscle.
  • Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). This life-threatening condition is caused by a tear in the inside of an artery of the heart.

Risk factors

Heart attack risk factors include:

  • Age. Men older than 45 years and women aged 55 years and older are more likely to have a heart attack than are younger men and women.
  • The consumption of tobacco. This includes smoking and long-term exposure to second-hand smoke. If you smoke, stop smoking.
  • The high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can damage the arteries leading to the heart. The high blood pressure that occurs with other conditions, such as obesity, high cholesterol, or diabetes, the risk increases even more.
  • Elevated levels of cholesterol or triglycerides. A high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) is more likely to narrow arteries. A high level of certain fats in the blood called triglycerides also increases the risk of heart attack. Your risk of heart attack may fall, if the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol — are in the standard range.
  • Obesity. Obesity is linked with high blood pressure, diabetes, high levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol, and low levels of good cholesterol.
  • Diabetes. Of sugar in the blood rises when the body does not produce a hormone called insulin or cannot use it properly. High blood sugar increases the risk of a heart attack.
  • The metabolic syndrome. This is a combination of at least three of the following things: increase the size of the waist (central obesity), high blood pressure, low good cholesterol, high triglycerides, and high blood sugar. Having metabolic syndrome makes the twice as likely to develop heart disease than if you don't have it.
  • Family history of heart attacks. If a brother, sister, father or grandfather had an early heart attack (by the age of 55 years for men and by the age of 65 years for women), which could be at greater risk.
  • It is not enough exercise. The lack of physical activity (sedentary lifestyle) is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks. Regular exercise improves the health of the heart.
  • Unhealthy diet. A diet high in sugars, animal fats, processed foods, trans fats, and salt increases the risk of heart attacks. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, fiber, and healthy oils.
  • Stress. The emotional stress, such as extreme anger, can increase the risk of a heart attack.
  • Use of illegal drugs. Cocaine and amphetamines are stimulants. Can cause a spasm of the coronary artery can cause a heart attack.
  • A history of pre-eclampsia. This condition causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. Increases the risk of heart disease.
  • An autoimmune condition. To have a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can increase the risk of a heart attack.

Complications

Heart attack complications are often due to damage to the heart muscle. The possible complications of a heart attack include:

  • Irregular or abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Heart attack damage can affect how the electrical signals through the heart, heartbeat, causing changes. Some may be serious and can be fatal.
  • Cardiogenic shock. This rare condition that occurs when the heart is suddenly and suddenly unable to pump the blood.
  • Heart failure. A large amount of damage in the heart muscle tissue can make the heart unable to pump the blood. Heart failure can be temporary or long-lasting (chronic).
  • Inflammation of the saclike tissue that surrounds the heart (pericarditis). Sometimes a heart attack is triggered by a faulty immune system response. This condition can be called Dressler syndrome, postmyocardial infarction syndrome or postcardiac injury syndrome.
  • Cardiac arrest. Without warning, the heart is stopped. A sudden change in the heart of the signaling causes of sudden cardiac arrest. A heart attack increases the risk of this life-threatening condition. Can lead to death (sudden death) without immediate treatment.

Prevention

It is never too late to take action to prevent a heart attack, even if you've already had one. Here are some ways to prevent a heart attack.

  • Follow a healthy lifestyle. Do not smoke. Maintain a healthy weight with a healthy diet for the heart. Get regular exercise and managing stress.
  • Manage other health conditions. Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, and diabetes can increase the risk of heart attacks. Ask your doctor how often you should have it checked.
  • Take medications as directed. Your health care provider may prescribe medications to protect and improve the health of your heart.

It is also a good idea to learn CPR properly so that you can help someone who is having a heart attack. Consider taking an accredited first-aid training course, including cpr and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Heart attack

Diagnosis

Ideally, a health professional should display during regular check-ups to the risk factors that can lead to a heart attack.

A heart attack is often diagnosed in an emergency setting. If you have had or are having a heart attack, the care providers to take immediate action to treat your condition. If you're able to answer the questions, they will ask about your symptoms and medical history.

The diagnosis of a heart attack includes checking blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Tests are done to see how the heart is beating and to check the overall health of the heart.

Tests

The tests to diagnose a heart attack include:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). This first test done to diagnose a heart attack records the electrical signals that travel through the heart. Sticky patches (electrodes) are attached on the chest and sometimes the arms and legs. The signals are recorded as waves are displayed on a monitor or printed on paper. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may show whether you have or have had a heart attack.
  • Blood tests. Some proteins will slowly leak into the blood after heart damage from a heart attack. Blood tests may be done to check these proteins (cardiac markers).
  • X-ray of the chest. An x-ray of the chest shows the condition and the size of the heart and the lungs.
  • The echocardiogram. Sound waves (ultrasound) to create images of the heart's movement. This test can show how blood moves through the heart and the heart valves. An echocardiogram can help to identify whether an area of the heart has been damaged.
  • Coronary catheterization (angiogram). A long, thin tube (catheter) that is inserted into an artery, usually in the leg, and guided to the heart. Contrast dye flows through the catheter to help the arteries are shown more clearly in images taken during the test.
  • Cardiac computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests create pictures of the heart and the chest. The CT scan of the heart explores the use of x-rays. cardiac Mri uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create pictures of your heart. For both tests, which are generally found in a table that slides inside a long tube of the machine. Each test can be used to diagnose heart problems. They can help to show the severity of damage to the heart.

Treatment

Every minute after a heart attack, more heart tissue is damaged or dies. Urgent treatment is needed to correct the flow of blood and to restore oxygen levels. Oxygen will be given right away. Specific heart attack treatment depends on whether there is a partial or complete blockage of blood flow.

Drugs

Medications for the treatment of a heart attack may include:

  • The aspirin. Aspirin reduces blood clotting. Helps to keep the blood moving through a narrowed artery. If you call 911 or your local emergency number, you can chew an aspirin. Emergency medical services providers may give you aspirin immediately.
  • Clot busters (thrombolytics or fibrinolytics). These drugs help to dissolve the blood clots that block the flow of blood to the heart. The earlier a thrombolytic drug is given after a heart attack, unless the heart is damaged and the greater the chance of survival.
  • Other blood-thinning medications. A medicine called heparin may be given by injection into a vein (IV). Heparin makes the blood less sticky and less likely to form clots.
  • The nitroglycerin. This medication widens the blood vessels. This helps to improve the flow of blood to the heart. Nitroglycerin is used to treat sudden chest pain (angina). It is given as a tablet under the tongue, like a pill for you to swallow, or as an injection.
  • Morphine. This medication is given to relieve chest pain that is not relieved with nitroglycerin.
  • Beta-blockers. These drugs slow the heart rate, decreasing blood pressure. Beta blockers can limit the amount of heart muscle damage and prevent future heart attacks. It gives to the majority of people who are having a heart attack.
  • Blood pressure medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors). These drugs reduce blood pressure and reduce stress on the heart.
  • Statins. These drugs help lower unhealthy cholesterol levels. Too bad (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), cholesterol can clog the arteries.

Surgical and other procedures

If you have had a heart attack, surgery, or procedure may be done to open up a blocked artery. Surgeries and procedures for the treatment of a heart attack include:

  • Coronary angioplasty with stent placement.Perform this procedure to open clogged heart arteries. It may also be called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). If you have had a heart attack, this procedure is often performed during a procedure to find the locks (cardiac catheterization). During angioplasty, a heart doctor (cardiologist) guides a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into the narrowed part of the artery from the heart. A small balloon is inflated to help widen the blocked artery and improve the blood flow. A small wire mesh tube (stent) may be placed in the artery during angioplasty. The stent helps keep the artery open. Reduces the risk of the artery from narrowing again. Some of stents coated with a drug that helps to keep the arteries open.
  • Coronary artery Bypass graft (CABG). This is an open-heart surgery. A surgeon takes a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to create a new path for the blood in the heart. The blood then goes around the blockage or narrowing of the coronary artery. It can be done as an emergency surgery at the time of a heart attack. Sometimes a couple of days later, after the heart has recovered a little.

Coronary angioplasty with stent placement. Perform this procedure to open clogged heart arteries. It may also be called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). If you have had a heart attack, this procedure is often performed during a procedure to find the locks (cardiac catheterization).

During angioplasty, a heart doctor (cardiologist) guides a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into the narrowed part of the artery from the heart. A small balloon is inflated to help widen the blocked artery and improve the blood flow.

A small wire mesh tube (stent) may be placed in the artery during angioplasty. The stent helps keep the artery open. Reduces the risk of the artery from narrowing again. Some of stents coated with a drug that helps to keep the arteries open.

Cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a custom exercise and education program that teaches ways to improve the health of the heart after a heart surgery. Focuses on exercise, a heart-healthy diet, stress management and a gradual return to normal activities. Most of the hospitals offering cardiac rehabilitation starting in the hospital. The program typically continues for a few weeks or months after returning home.

The people who attend cardiac rehabilitation after a heart attack, in general, live longer and are less likely to have another heart attack or complications from a heart attack. If cardiac rehabilitation is not recommended during your stay in the hospital, ask your medical professional about it.

Self-care

To improve the health of the heart, take the following steps:

  • Exercise. Regular exercise helps improve the health of the heart. As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous physical activity five or more days a week. If you have had a heart attack or heart surgery, can have activity restrictions. Ask your doctor what is best for you.
  • Eating a heart-healthy diet. Avoid or limit foods that are high in saturated fats, trans fats, salt and sugar. Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins such as fish and beans.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Too much weight strains the heart. Being overweight increases your risk of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
  • Do not smoke. Quitting smoking is the most important thing you can do to improve the health of the heart. Also, avoid being around second-hand smoke. If you need to stop smoking, ask your provider for help.
  • Limit the consumption of alcohol. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
  • Get health checkups. Some of the main risk factors for a heart attack, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes may not cause symptoms.
  • Manage your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. Ask your doctor how often you need to have your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
  • Control stress. Find ways to help reduce emotional stress. Do more exercise, the practice of mindfulness and connecting with others in support groups are some of the ways to relieve stress.

Coping and support

Having a heart attack is scary. Talk about your feelings with your care provider, a family member or a friend can help. Or consider talking to a mental health provider, or joining a support group. Support groups allow you to connect with others who have been through similar events.

If you feel sad, scared, or depressed, tell your care provider. Cardiac rehabilitation programs can help to prevent or treat depression after a heart attack.

Sex after a heart attack

Some people worry about having sex after a heart attack. Most people can return to sexual activity after recovery. But talk with your care provider first. When you can resume sexual relations may depend on your physical, emotional and preparation prior to sexual activity.

Some heart medicines, can affect sexual function. If you are having problems with sexual dysfunction, talk to your care provider.

Preparing for your appointment

A heart attack is usually diagnosed in an emergency setting. However, if you are concerned about your risk of a heart attack, talk with your care provider. A cardiovascular risk assessment that can be done to determine your risk level.

You may be referred to a doctor trained in heart disease (cardiologist).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet. You might need to avoid food or drink for a time before a cholesterol test, for example.

Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to diseases of the heart, and when they began
  • Family history of heart problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, or early heart attacks
  • Important personal information, including the most recent of the major stresses or recent life changes
  • All the drugs, vitamins, and other supplements that you take, including over-dose
  • Questions to ask your provider

Take a friend or relative, if possible, to help you remember the information they give you.

Some questions to ask your doctor about prevention of heart attack include:

  • What tests do I need to determine my current health of the heart?
  • What foods should I eat or avoid?
  • What is an appropriate level of physical activity?
  • How often should I be screened for heart disease?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask questions such as:

  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • Are constant or come and go?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • If you have pain in the chest, does it improve with rest?
  • What, in any case, makes their symptoms worse?
  • If you have pain in the chest, not the strenuous activity to do worse?
  • Have you been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol?

What you can do in the meantime

It is never too early to make changes healthy lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, eating healthy foods and being more active. These are important steps in the prevention of heart attacks and improve health in general.

Symptoms and treatment of a Heart attack