Heart Attack

Overview

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The bloackage of blood flow may be due to the build up of fats, cholesterols or other causes in the arteries of heart. It is also known as a myocardial infarction. This blockage in blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle. Prompt medical attention is important to minimize the damage to the heart and improve the chances of recovery.

What Happens During a Heart Attack?

A heart attack happens when blood flow to a part of the heart is either significantly reduced or is completely cut off. This interruption in blood supply can lead to injury or even death of that section of the heart muscle. When a part of the heart muscle is damaged and can’t pump effectively, it throws off the heart’s ability to circulate blood throughout the body. If this situation isn’t addressed quickly, it can be life-threatening.

Signs and Symptoms

When it comes to heart attacks, recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial. Here are some common indicators to watch for:

• You might feel chest pain or discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, or fullness.
• Pain or discomfort can also radiate to your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of breath can happen, with or without that chest discomfort.
• You may experience cold sweats, nausea, or lightheadedness.
• Women sometimes have different symptoms, like sharp pain or tightness in the neck, arm, or back.

Types

Heart attacks can be of several types based on the location and severity of the blockage:

• ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): This is a serious heart attack, where a coronary artery is completely blocked, and needs immediate attention and intervention.
• Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI): This is a less severe form of heart attack, where the artery is only partially blocked, but still requires urgent attention.
• Silent Heart Attack: This occurs without the typical symptoms and may be diagnosed only during the regular health check up. 

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a heart attack involves several steps and tests:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): Measures the electrical activity of the heart and helps pinpoint the areas of reduced blood flow.
• Blood Tests: Certain heart proteins release into the blood when the heart muscle is damaged.Blood tests are done to detect thse proteins (cardiac markers).
• Chest X-ray: Shows the view of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
• Echocardiogram: Uses sound waves to create images of the beating heart and checks for damage.
• Coronary Angiography: A thin, flexible tube is inserted into an artery through the leg or arm, and a dye is injected to highlight any blockages on X-ray images.

Treatment

When it comes to treatment, every minute counts after a heart attack, as more tissue can be damaged. Quick action is essential to repair the damage and restore blood flow. Treatment options vary based on how severe the heart attack is:

• Medications: These include blood thinners, clot-dissolving drugs, pain relievers, and medications to reduce heart workload.
• Surgery and Procedures:
  • Angioplasty and Stenting: It is done to open the blocked arteries. The cardiologist inserts a thin catheter with a balloon tip in the clogged artery to open it and place a stent in it to keep it open.
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): A surgical procedure that uses blood vessels from other parts of the body to bypass blocked coronary arteries.

Complications/Side Effects of the Treatment

There may be side effects of the treatment which may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Weakness
• Lightheadedness
• Bleeding or damage to a blood vessel
• Infection
• Irregular heart beat
• Kidney issues
• Stroke

FAQ

Q1: What are the risk factors for a heart attack?

A: You are at risk of heart attack if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, physical inactivity, and a family history of heart disease.

Q2: How can I prevent a heart attack?

A: You may prevent heart disease by having a heart healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels, managing diabetes, and reducing stress.

Q3: What should I do if I feel I'm having a heart attack?

A: Seek immediate medical attention by calling emergency services. Do not attempt to drive yourself to the hospital.

Q4: Can women have different heart attack symptoms than men?

A: Yes, women may experience more subtle symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

Q5: How is recovery after a heart attack?

A: Recovery involves medication management, lifestyle changes, cardiac rehabilitation, and regular follow-up with your cardiologist.

Conclusion

If someone has the symptoms of heart disease or heart attack, seek the medical help without delay. Yatharth Hospital has experienced cardiologists and a dedicated centre for heart to provide comprehensive care for heart attack patients, from diagnosis to recovery.