A heart attack is an interruption of blood flow to the heart. When the blood doesn’t reach a heart muscle, it does not get the oxygen it needs to survive, leading to the death of a few cells in your heart muscle. This can happen when there is a clot in one of the arteries that prevent the oxygenated blood from reaching the heart. This condition is also called myocardial infarction.
What Causes Heart Attack?
Heart attack is usually a result of genetic predisposition or poor lifestyle choices. You might be at a higher risk of suffering from a heart attack if you fit into one or more of the following categories:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Family history of heart disease
- Advanced age
- Chronic stress
- Fat-rich diet
Heart attack is a leading cause of death in both men and women. However, men above the age of 65 are at a higher risk of getting a heart attack than women of the similar age group.
What Are The Symptoms Of Heart Attack?
The intensity of a heart attack can vary from mild to severe. In some mild cases, heart attacks can even be silent. However, when the symptoms show, you can be watchful of the following ones:
- Chest pain or discomfort or squeezing
- Pain in the left arm, neck, jaw, back, and stomach that radiates towards the chest
- Difficulty in breathing
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Cold sweat
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Fatigue
Heart attacks, even though not always fatal, can significantly harm your heart health if you don’t seek emergency care. So, be watchful of your symptoms and seek help before the damage is beyond repair.
What Should You Do If You Suspect A Heart Attack?
When it comes to heart attacks, time is of the essence. Get your phone and dial 108 or 102 to call for an ambulance. If you have an aspirin in hand, chew the tablet to prevent more blood clotting. While you wait for help to arrive, remove any tight clothing and sit or lie down. Try to take a mental note of your symptoms so that you can explain them to the doctor later. If you have a medical expert on line, follow the care instructions you receive to the best of your ability. If you have the physical ability and confidence, call a friend or a family member as well
How Is Heart Attack Treated?
When you arrive at the hospital, if you are conscious, the doctor will ask you about the symptoms and check your vitals. An EGC will be done to monitor the electrical activities in your heart. It will help them understand if you are having a heart attack. Other blood tests and imaging tests will help determine the risk and the extent of damage, if any.
For mild heart attacks, clot-busting medicines often do the trick coupled with rest and a simple heart-friendly diet. For severe cases, you might need an angioplasty to open up blocked arteries or bypass surgery to reroute blood around blocked arteries. Dr. Sandeep Khambhampati, a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist with 10+ years of experience is adept at performing such surgeries with precision. He will help you understand the post-surgical recovery routine and how you can keep your heart healthier from then on.