Heart Attack: All you need to Know

Known as one of the strongest muscles we have, the heart is responsible for pumping the blood, supplying oxygen and removing all the metabolic waste of the body. The blood vessels supplying the blood to the heart sometimes get blocked, and in return, cause a reduction in the blood flow. The blockage in the blood vessel can be due to excess cholesterol, fat or other substance in the body, forming a plaque in the arteries. This reduced blood flow due to the plaque ultimately leads to a Heart attack, which is also known as Myocardial Infarction.

A heart attack is often sudden and can be extremely fatal. But with new developments in the diagnostic and treatment options, the chances of surviving and getting better are much higher than before. Hospital like Care Hospitals Ramnagar has equipped themself with the latest technologies, supporting doctors who specialize in cardiac science and cardiac surgery.

Symptoms of Heart attack

Some symptoms which can help identify a heart attack immediately are
Pain, tightness or aching sensation in the chest
Radiating pain in the jaws, back or arm
Sweating
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Fatigue and lightheadedness
If one witnesses similar symptoms in themselves or someone else, they should immediately seek medical help and consult a heart specialist.

When to seek help?

Some individuals experience some warning signs, and some do not. The warning signs or heart attack symptoms are an alarm to seek urgent help. One should never delay and wait for the symptoms to subside.
One should call an ambulance or if the conveyance is available, take the patient to the hospital.
One should give aspirin lingually to the patient if prescribed by a doctor.
One should give nitroglycerine if prescribed by the doctor.

Causes of Heart Attack

Multiple causes are listed out for an individual to have a heart attack. Some prominent ones include
Coronary artery disease - In this disease, the arteries supplying blood to the heart block due to plaque formation. This happens over time and causes fatal repercussions.
Spasm of the coronary artery
Blood clots
Excessive consumption of tobacco
Consumption of illicit drugs

Risk Factor

Risk factors are unwanted factors which by default increase the risk for an individual to have a heart attack. Some risk factors cannot be changed, while some can be modified completely. These risk factors include
Age - Research suggests that men above the age of 45 and women above the age of 55 are more prone to heart attacks than the same genders when younger.
Gender - Men are more prone to heart attack than women.
Family history - Family history plays a very crucial role in determining if an individual will have a heart attack or other heart problems or not. If siblings, parents or grandparents have a history of heart attacks, the risk for that individual also increases. A family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity also increases the risk of a heart attack. The history of preeclampsia in pregnant women increases the risk of having a heart attack.
Metabolic disorders - Metabolic syndromes increase the risk of having a heart attack. Diagnosis, treatment, and management of such disorders are key.

Some risk factors which can be modified include
Tobacco consumption - One should try to reduce it as much as possible
Stress level - Less stress reduces the risk
Obesity - Opting for weight loss activities promote a better life and less risk
Alcohol consumption - Reduction in alcohol is always advisable
Diet and lifestyle modifications - Consuming less oily and greasy food, and more of fresh vegetables cooked in less oil. Portion size also matters in such situations.

Complications

The complications as a result of a heart attack can be permanent and very dangerous.
A heart attack can cause a disturbance in the heart rhythm or an electrical short circuit, also known as Arrhythmia. These arrhythmias can be fatal.
Heart attacks can also lead to heart failure, causing irreversible damage to the heart muscle. The ability of the heart to pump blood will decreases drastically.
A heart attack also increases the risk of further heart attacks and cardiac arrest.

Prevention of Heart attack

The best way to prevent Heart attacks is to modify the above-mentioned risk factors. Some preventive measures are
Reduction of consumption of alcohol and tobacco
Exercising regularly
Diet management and change in lifestyle
Stopping the consumption of illicit drugs
Opting for preventive heart health check-ups

Many super-specialty hospitals, including Care Hospitals Ramnagar, provide comprehensive Cardiac Check-up packages and health assessment.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Many diagnostic procedures are available and recommended to patients, depending on the medical ailment, risk factors and current condition. Factors like temperature, blood pressure, present symptoms are taken down. The diagnostic tests also include ECG and blood tests.
The doctor may also recommend Echocardiogram, X-ray, Excercise stress test, cardiac CT or MRI.

Depending on the diagnosis and condition, the cardiologist and cardiac surgeon will advise treatment options. Some common procedures for treatment and management include stenting, angioplasty, and pacemaker implantation.

It is advisable to get immediate help in case one suffers from a heart attack or experiences its symptoms. One can also request for an ambulance through healthcare assistance companies like Credihealth.