A heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Despite its seriousness, many people fail to recognize early warning signs or understand how lifestyle, diet and stress contribute to heart disease.
Early recognition and timely treatment can save lives - making it crucial to understand what a heart attack is, how it happens and what can be done to prevent it.
What Is a Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is reduced or stopped, usually due to a blood clot or severe narrowing of the coronary arteries. Without oxygen, heart muscle cells begin to die, leading to myocardial infarction.
This is a medical emergency, and quick treatment greatly reduces damage to the heart.
Heart Attack Types
There are several heart attack types, depending on the extent and location of blockage:
1. STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction)
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The most serious type
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Complete blockage of a major coronary artery
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Requires immediate treatment like angioplasty or thrombolysis
2. NSTEMI (Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction)
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Partial blockage of the coronary artery
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Less severe than STEMI but still dangerous
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Requires early hospitalisation and treatment
3. Silent Heart Attack
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Occurs with minimal or no noticeable symptoms
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More common in diabetics and older adults
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Often discovered later during routine tests
Common Heart Attack Causes
A heart attack typically results from coronary artery disease, but several factors increase risk.
Major Causes Include:
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Plaque buildup (atherosclerosis)
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Blood clot formation
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Extreme Alcohol intake
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Dyslipidemia (Deranged blood cholesterol level)
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High blood pressure
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Diabetes
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Smoking (Air Pollution)
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Obesity and lack of exercise
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Stress and poor sleep
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An unhealthy diet high in sugars, refined carbs, and trans fats
Genetics and family history also significantly influence heart attack causes.
Heart Attack Symptoms
Recognizing heart attack symptoms early can save a life. Symptoms may vary by gender and age, but common warning signs include:
Classic Symptoms
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Chest pain, pressure, or tightness or Heaviness
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Pain radiating to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back
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Shortness of breath
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Cold sweats
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Nausea or vomiting
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Feeling faint or dizzy
Symptoms are More Common in Women
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Fatigue
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Indigestion-like discomfort
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Upper back pressure
If you suspect a heart attack, call emergency services immediately.
Heart Attack Diagnosis & Tests
To confirm a myocardial infarction, doctors perform several heart attack tests.
Common Heart Attack Diagnosis Methods Include:
1. ECG (Electrocardiogram)
Shows changes in the electrical activity of the heart.
2. Blood Tests (Cardiac Biomarkers)
High troponin levels help confirm heart muscle damage.
3. Echocardiogram
Checks heart’s pumping ability and identifies damaged areas.
4. Coronary Angiography
Detects blocked arteries and helps guide treatment.
These tests together ensure an accurate heart attack diagnosis.
Heart Attack Treatment Options
Quick treatment reduces heart damage and improves survival.
Emergency Heart Attack Treatment
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Aspirin to reduce blood clotting
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Nitroglycerin to relieve chest pain
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Thrombolytics to dissolve clots (for STEMI)
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Angioplasty with stenting to open blocked arteries
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Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) for severe blockage
Medications After a Heart Attack
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Antiplatelet drugs
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Beta-blockers
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ACE inhibitors
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Cholesterol-lowering medicines
Long-Term Management
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Cardiac rehabilitation
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Lifestyle modifications
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Regular monitoring of cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar
Heart Attack Prevention Tips
Prevention is always better than treatment. Effective heart attack prevention focuses on lifestyle, diet, and routine health monitoring.
How to Prevent a Heart Attack
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Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean proteins and fiber
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Maintain healthy body weight
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Physical activity (Brisk walking/swimming/cycling) for at least 30 minutes per day
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Quit smoking and avoid excess alcohol
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Manage diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol
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Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises
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Get regular heart checkups, especially after age 35
Even small positive changes can significantly reduce risk.
