Summary
When there is a significant reduction or obstruction in the blood supply to the heart, a heart attack happens. The accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and other materials in the heart’s (coronary) arteries is typically the cause of the obstruction. The deposits that are high in fat and cholesterol are referred to as plaques. Atherosclerosis is the term for the plaque accumulation process.
A plaque may occasionally burst and create a clot that stops blood flow. A portion of the heart muscle may get harmed or destroyed by inadequate blood flow.
Heart attack
An artery that supplies the heart with blood and oxygen becomes clogged, which leads to a heart attack. Over time, deposits of fat and cholesterol accumulate in the heart’s arteries to create plaques. A blood clot may occur if a plaque breaks. An artery blockage from the clot may result in a heart attack. A heart attack results in the death of cardiac muscle tissue due to a reduction in blood supply.
Another name for a heart attack is myocardial infarction.
To avoid mortality from a heart attack, prompt medical attention is required. If you believe you may be having a heart attack, dial 911 or get emergency medical assistance.
Signs and symptoms
Heart attack symptoms can vary. Some folks only experience minor symptoms. Some people experience quite serious symptoms. Some folks don’t exhibit any symptoms.
Typical signs of a heart attack include:
Chest pain that can have an aching, squeezing, tightening, or pressing sensation
Pain or discomfort radiating to the back, neck, mouth, teeth, shoulder, arm, or even the upper abdomen
Sweat with coldness
Weary
Indigestion or heartburn
Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
emesis
Breathlessness
Certain heart attacks happen unexpectedly. However, a lot of people experience symptoms and warning indications hours, days, or weeks in advance. Angina, or persistent chest pressure that does not go away with rest, may be a precursor to more serious problems. Angina is brought on by a transient reduction in the heart’s blood supply.
When to visit a physician
If you believe you are experiencing a heart attack, get treatment immediately. Follow these actions:
Make an emergency medical assistance call. Dial 911 or your local emergency number right away if you believe you are experiencing a heart attack. Get a ride to the closest hospital if emergency medical services are not available to you. If you have no other choice except to drive yourself.
If your doctor has prescribed nitroglycerin, take it as directed. As directed, take it and wait for emergency assistance.
If aspirin is advised, take it. By inhibiting blood clotting, using aspirin during a heart attack may lessen cardiac damage.
Aspirin and other medications may interact. Unless directed by your healthcare physician or emergency medical staff, avoid taking aspirins. Take an aspirin and contact 911 as soon as possible. First, make an emergency help call.
What to do in the event that you witness someone maybe having a heart attack
In case you suspect someone unconscious is suffering a heart attack, don’t hesitate to contact 911 or your local emergency number. Next, see if there is a pulse and that the person is breathing. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation should only be started if the patient is not breathing or if there is no pulse. (CPR).
Perform hands-only CPR if you lack the necessary training. That entails applying force and speed to the patient’s chest, averaging between 100 and 120 compressions per minute.
If you have received CPR training and feel competent, begin by performing 30 chest compressions before administering two rescue breaths.
Reasons
Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease. One or more of the heart’s (coronary) arteries are clogged in coronary artery disease. Plaques, which are deposits made of cholesterol, are typically to blame for this. Blood flow to the heart can be decreased by plaques that restrict the arteries.
A blood clot in the heart may result from a plaque break.
A heart (coronary) artery blockage, either partial or total, can result in a heart attack. Whether an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) reveals any particular abnormalities (ST elevation) that call for immediate, invasive treatment is one approach to categorize heart attacks. These heart attack kinds may be described by your healthcare professional based on the results of an electrocardiogram (ECG).
An ST elevation myocardial infarction is typically indicated by an immediate total blockage of a medium- or large-sized cardiac artery (STEMI).
A non-ST elevation myocardial infarction is frequently indicated by a partial blockage (NSTEMI). On the other hand, a complete blockage occurs in certain patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
Blocked arteries are not the cause of every heart attack. Additional reasons consist of:
angina pectoris spasm. This is a severe, unblockable blood vessel squeezing. Typically, the artery has plaques made of cholesterol or the vessel has hardened prematurely as a result of smoking or other risk factors. Variant angina, vasospastic angina, and Prinzmetal’s angina are other terms for coronary artery spasms.
certain infections. Viral infections, including COVID-19, have the potential to harm cardiac muscle.
Coronary artery dissection that occurs on its own (SCAD). An internal tear in a cardiac artery is the source of this potentially fatal illness.
Factors at risk
Heart attack risk factors consist of:
Years old. Heart attacks are more common in men and women over 45 and over 55 than in younger generations.
tobacco use. Both smoking and prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke fall within this category. Give up smoking if you do.
elevated blood pressure. High blood pressure over time can harm the arteries that supply the heart. The risk is further increased when high blood pressure coexists with other illnesses including diabetes, obesity, or high cholesterol.
high triglycerides or cholesterol. Most likely, arteries will constrict due to elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, also known as the “bad” cholesterol. The risk of a heart attack is further increased by elevated levels of triglycerides, a type of blood fat. If the “good” cholesterol, known as high-density lipoprotein or HDL, is within the normal range, your chance of having a heart attack may decrease.
Being overweight. High blood pressure, diabetes, low levels of good cholesterol, high levels of triglycerides, and low levels of bad cholesterol are all associated with obesity.
Diabetes. When the body either cannot produce enough of the hormone insulin or cannot use it properly, blood sugar levels rise. An elevated blood sugar level raises the chance of a heart attack.
syndrome of metabolism. This is a result of the interaction of at least three of the following conditions: high blood pressure, low good cholesterol, elevated triglycerides, elevated blood sugar, and expanded waist (central obesity). Heart disease is twice as likely to occur in people with metabolic syndrome as in those without it.
Heart attack history in the family. You may be more vulnerable if you have a sibling, parent, grandparent, or other close relative who has an early heart attack (by the age of 55 for men and 65 for women).
insufficient exercise. Heart attacks are associated with an increased risk of sedentary lifestyles and a lack of physical activity. Heart health is improved by regular exercise.
unhealthy food intake. Heart attacks are more likely in diets heavy in sugar, animal fats, processed foods, trans fats, and salt. Consume a lot of fiber, fruits, veggies, and healthy fats.
Tension. An intense fit of rage is one type of emotional stress that might raise the risk of a heart attack.
drug usage that is prohibited. Stimulants include amphetamines and cocaine. They have the potential to start a heart attack-causing coronary artery spasm.
a preeclampsia history. Pregnancy-related elevated blood pressure is caused by this disorder. It raises the chance of developing heart disease over time.
an autoimmune disease. A lupus or rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis can raise one’s risk of a heart attack.
Difficulties
Damage to the cardiac muscles frequently results in heart attack consequences. The following are possible heart attack complications:
cardiac rhythms that are abnormal or irregular (arrhythmias). Changes in heartbeat can result from damage to the heart attack that alters the electrical signals that travel through the heart. Some could be fatal or extremely dangerous.
shock with a heartbeat. This uncommon illness happens when the heart’s ability to pump blood is quickly and rapidly cut off.
heart breakdown. The heart may become unable to pump blood if the cardiac muscle tissue sustains significant injury. Heart failure may be chronic (long-lasting) or transient.
Pericarditis is the inflammation of the sac-like tissue that surrounds the heart.
Sometimes an immune system reaction goes awry due to a heart attack. Dressler syndrome, postmyocardial infarction syndrome, or postcardiac damage syndrome are among names for this illness.
Avoidance
Even if you’ve previously experienced a heart attack, there’s always time to take preventative measures. Here’s how to avoid having a heart attack.
Maintain a healthy way of living. Avoid smoking. Eat a heart-friendly diet and stay within a healthy weight range. Exercise frequently and control your stress.
Handle other medical issues. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two diseases that can make heart attacks more likely. Find out from your doctor how frequently you should get checked out.
Adhere to the directions on medicine. Medication to safeguard and enhance the health of your heart may be prescribed by your healthcare professional.
It’s also a good idea to become fully trained in CPR so that you can assist someone experiencing a heart attack. Think about enrolling in a recognized first-aid course that teaches you how to operate an automated external defibrillator (AED) and do CPR.
