WHAT IS 'HEART ATTACK'

HEART ATTACK:-A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.

A heart attack is a medical emergency. A heart attack usually occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart. Without blood, tissue loses oxygen and dies and then heart Attack occurs. It has become the most common cause of death nowadays in the whole worldwide.

SYMPTOMS:- 

Pain areas: in the area between shoulder blades, arm, chest, jaw, left arm, or upper abdomen

Pain types: can be like a clenched fist in the chest

Pain circumstances: can occur during rest

Whole body: dizziness, fatigue, light-headedness, clammy skin, cold sweat, or sweating

Gastrointestinal: heartburn, indigestion, nausea, or vomiting

Arm: discomfort or tightness

Neck: discomfort or tightness

common: anxiety, chest pressure, feeling of impending doom, palpitations, shortness of breath, or shoulder discomfort 

Lightheadedness

CAUSES:-

A heart attack occurs when one or more of your coronary arteries becomes blocked. Over time, a buildup of fatty deposits, including cholesterol, form substances called plaques, which can narrow the arteries (atherosclerosis). This condition, called coronary artery disease, causes most heart attacks

DIAGNOSIS:-An electrocardiogram (ECG) is an important test in suspected heart attacks. It should be done within 10 minutes of being admitted to hospital.

 

An ECG measures the electrical activity of your heart. Every time your heart beats, it produces tiny electrical impulses. An ECG machine records these signals onto paper, allowing your doctor to see how well your heart is functioning.

 

An ECG is painless and takes about 5 minutes to do. During the test, flat metal discs (electrodes) are attached to your arms, legs and chest. Wires from the electrodes are connected to the ECG machine, which records the electrical impulses.

 

An ECG is important because:

 

It helps confirm the diagnosis of a heart attack

It helps determine what type of heart attack you have had, which will help determine the most effective treatment. 

2)ECHOCARDIOGRAM:- The ultrasound of the heart.

3)Chest x-ray

4) Cardiac CT or MRI

TREATMENT:-Treatment depends on severity:-

Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and cardiac rehabilitation to medication, stents and bypass surgery.

Supportive care

Defibrillation and Oxygen therapy

Medications

Anticoagulant, Antianginal, Narcotic, Beta blocker, Statin and ACE inhibitor

Medical procedure

Coronary stent and Coronary angioplasty

Therapies

Cardiac rehabilitation

Surgery

Coronary artery bypass surgery.

 

WHAT CAN I DO TO RECOVER AFTER A HEART ATTACK?

If you’ve had a heart attack, your heart may be damaged. This could affect your heart’s rhythm and its ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. You may also be at risk for another heart attack or conditions such as stroke, kidney disorders, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

 

You can lower your chances of having future health problems following a heart attack with these steps:

 

Physical activity—Talk with your health care team about the things you do each day in your life and work. Your doctor may want you to limit work, travel, for some time after a heart attack.

Lifestyle changes—Eating a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing stress—in addition to taking prescribed medicines—can help improve your heart health and quality of life. Ask your health care team about attending a program called cardiac rehabilitation to help you make these lifestyle changes.

Cardiac rehabilitation—Cardiac rehabilitation is an important program for anyone recovering from a heart attack, heart failure, or other heart problem that required surgery or medical care. Cardiac rehab is a supervised program that includes

Physical activity

Education about healthy living, including healthy eating, taking medicine as prescribed, and ways to help you quit smoking

Counseling to find ways to relieve stress and improve mental health.

HEART ATTACK FIRST AID:-

Begin CPR if the person is unconscious.

If the person isn't breathing, or you don't find a pulse, begin CPR to keep blood flowing after you call for emergency medical help. Push hard and fast in the center of the person's chest in a fairly rapid rhythm — about 100 to 120 compressions a minute.

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