Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs due to the build-up of plaque in an artery of the heart. This blockage causes the arteries to narrow, causing a restriction in the blood flow to the heart. The decreased blood flow results in inadequate blood supply to the heart and the heart muscle begins to die.

What are the symptoms?

Most heart attacks start mildly with gradual pain. However, some may have an intense and sudden onset. Symptoms of a heart attack include:

  • Chest pain that may last for some time, disappear or reoccur
  • Pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sweating
  • Nausea

What are the risk factors?

The risk factors for a heart attack are:

 Smoking

 High blood pressure

 High cholesterol levels

 High alcohol intake

 Diabetes

 Overweight / obesity

How can it be diagnosed?

A heart attack may be diagnosed by:

  • Blood Tests
  • Electrocardiography
  • Coronary Angiography

How can a heart attack be prevented?

There are certain measures that may be taken to prevent heart attack. These same measures can reduce the chances of sufferring a second heart attack.

  • Avoid smoking and second-hand smoke
  • Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes
  • Eat a healthy diet that is low in saturated fats, transfats and salt
  • Exercise moderate or intensely for at least 150 minutes per week
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Visit your doctor regularly for check-ups
  • Take medicines regularly as prescribed

Minutes matter!

If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, don’t waste time. Call an ambulance immediately! The more time that passes without seeking treatment, more heart muscle begins to die causing permanent damage.

Treatment

Treatment for the heart attack is either through:

  • Medication: clot-breaking medicine or surgical procedures to restore normal blood flow as soon as possible. Other medicines may also be given to relieve pain.
  • Coronary angioplasty: This a procedure to re-open the blocked artery and restore normal blood flow. A small deflated balloon is moved to the site of the blockage, inflated and then removed. If required, a stent may be placed to keep the artery open.
  • Coronary artery bypass graft: This is a procedure in which a healthy blood vessel is taken from another part of the body that is to be attached to either side of the blocked artery so that blood can bypass the blockage. The healthy blood vessel may be taken from the leg or arm.