A heart attack is a stressful and frightening experience not only for patient, but for the entire family.Despite of advances in the field of medicine, a heart attack still remains one of the leading causes of death in the world.Consultant cardiologist Dr.Nikesh Jain (DNB (Cardiology), MD (Internal Medicine) MBBS) says ” we commonly encounter instances where patients have suddenly collapsed at home while palying sports or at public places.This is called Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) which is different from a heart attack .
What is Heart Attack ?
A heart attack occurs when there is sudden complete (100%) blockage due to a blood clot in one of the coronary arteries ( blood vessels ) which carries nutrition and oxygen to the heart muscle. It is also referred to as STEMI (ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction ) and requires medical attention.Blood clot is a mixture of cholestrol,platelets, RBC and other substances.During a heart attack,there is death of the heart muscle due to sudden and abrupt brokage of a coronary artery.If this flow is not restored to the heart muscle within a couple of hours,irreversible changes occur,which culminates in the death of heart muscle.This can cause SCA,acute heart failure ( low BP, congestion in lungs cause breathelessness) If treatment is not given in time,heart muscle damage can be permanent and have long term complications due to low heart pumping .
A HEART ATTACK occurs when there is sudden complete blockage due to a blood clot in one of the CORONARY ARTERIES .
What are the warning signs of a heart attack ?
Common signs and symptoms include :
– Pressure, tightness,pain or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw, back or stomach area.
– Choking sensation or discomfort in throat
– Nausea, indigestion, buring sensation in chest/upper abdomen or abdominal pain
– Shortness of breath
– Cold sweat
– Fatigue
– Light Headness or sudden dizziness
Symptoms due to heart attack can manifest in any area from neck up to upper abdominal area. Unfortunately the symptoms are assumed to be due to acidity or spondylosis by patients and there is delay due to self medication and analysis at home
What should one do if the symptoms are suggestive of a heat attack ?
Timely Treatment reduces mortality and prevents acute and long temr complications of a heart attack.Whenever symptoms are suggestive of a heart attack, you should immediately go to a nearby hospital preferably where advanced cardiac care facility like Primary Angioplasty is available, which is the treatment of choice for heart attack.Preliminary treatment like blood thinner tablets can be given after comsulting a doctor . Tranfer to hospital should be preferably done in a cardiac ambulance. If transfer to a tetiary care hospital is not feasible, you should go to a facility where an ECG can be done at the earliest and coordinated for further treatment.There are two modalities of treatment – Primary Angioplasty ( preferred ) and Thrombolysis.
Primary Angioplasty : Patients are immediately shifted to a cath lab. Angiography is done to look for the location of blockage in the artery and immediately opened with a stent.A special catheter is frequently used to remove the blood clot before placing a stent . Success rate is optimum and primary angioplasty speeds up the recovery of patient and minimises damage to the heart muscle with many recovering to the normal heart pumping if treated in time .
Thrombolysis : Strong clot dissolving injection is given to improve flow in the heart artery which caused the heart attack. Thrombolysis success depends on early injection given to the patient. Even if successful it is preferable to undergo an angiography and angioplasty if required at the earliest for faster recovery of the heart .
What should one do to prevent heart attack ?
Do not ignore the warning signs and consult a doctor or visit a hospital immediately fort medical care . ECG is a simple test that can be easily done and help in diagnosing a heat attack. Education and awareness can also help in preventing delay in diagnosis and treatment . Community CPR (cardiopulmonary Reuscitation ) programs can be helpful for resuscitating patients who have been Sudden Cardia Arrest outside a hospital Many have been successfully resuscitated and transferred to a hospital for advanced care .
Prevention is the best treatment for any disease. Exercise regularly , have a heart healthy diet control risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, cholestrol, Avoid smoking , alcohol or any drug abuse, regular health check up can help diagnose risk factors and pick up early signs of heart disease.
