The most serious kind of cardiac disease is a heart attack. It can cause up to 25% mortality if not properly managed. When the blood supply to this important organ is cut off, a heart attack occurs.
In an emergency, a heart attack is frequently identified. If you've had or are experiencing a heart attack, medical professionals will treat you right away. You might be questioned about your symptoms and medical background if you're able to respond to queries. To diagnose a heart attack, the pulse, blood pressure, and temperature are taken. Tests are performed to examine the heart's overall health and the rate at which it beats.
It can be a subtle illness that, as people get older, causes abrupt death in both men and women. The most frequent cause is a newly formed blood clot that suddenly and completely blocks a patient's coronary artery. This artery instantly affects the part of the heart it supplies, and if blood flow is not restored, the artery suffers irreparable damage (necroses).
A patient has a better chance of recovering if they receive assistance within the first hour of a heart attack. Because they lack the necessary expertise and information, many people are reluctant to assist cardiac patients.
The patient's prognosis is based on the severity of the attack. If treatment is delayed and more than 50% of the muscle is damaged, fatality rates might reach 80%. It is crucial to understand the signs of a heart attack and how to administer first aid in an emergency.
Signs Of Heart Attack
- Shortness of breath and chest discomfort.
- A long-lasting, uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest.
- Pain extending to the shoulders, neck, or arms is known as shoulder/arm pain.
- It could feel like pressure, tightness, heavyweight, or burning.
Additional Signs
- Anxiety, jitters, clammy or perspiration skin, elevated or erratic heart rate Sweating a lot is a typical side effect.
- When experiencing a severe heart attack that results in cardiac failure, the patient may suddenly become breathless and gasp for air.
- In some circumstances, the patient may pass out and appear to be having a convulsion.
Symptoms of Heart Attack
Severe upper stomach ache coupled with a feeling of dizziness or nausea Without any local dental issues, jaw, and tooth pain is frequently accompanied by perspiration and respiratory difficulties.Before any specific treatment can begin, a diagnostic test called an electrocardiogram must be performed as soon as feasible. Even though they are rare, there are instances in a full-blown attack where an ECG may not be diagnostic.
In these circumstances, blood tests like troponin and MB CPK estimates are diagnostic. In such cases, nuclear scintigrams are also helpful. When an ECG is done for clearance before surgery for an unrelated condition or insurance reasons, the diagnosis of a heart attack occasionally occurs by chance. These quiet heart attacks, where the discomfort experienced at the moment of a heart attack is covered up, are frequently found in diabetics.
Risk Factors and Prevention
A heart attack or stroke can be deadly or incapacitating, preventive is essential. It is advised that heart attack prevention starts at the age of 20. This entails identifying and minimizing risk factors. Heart disease and stroke risk factors that are under your control include things like: Smoking, high blood pressure, having diabetes, high cholesterol, being overweight or obese, as well as not exercising.
First aid for Heart Attack
The most crucial element in preventing the heart muscle from suffering irreparable damage is time. The first hour following a heart attack is often known as the "golden hour". Because appropriate measures taken to clear the blocked artery within that time frame can completely undo the harm. Heart damage that cannot be repaired occurs when treatment is delayed. Treatment that is initiated after 12 hours is typical of very little benefit. Hospitals with ECG monitoring and offering critical care is the best place to manage a patient suffering from a heart attack. Coronary Care Units (CCU) are dedicated spaces with the tools and staff needed to adequately care for these patients.
Treatment
Following a cardiac attack, more heart tissue is harmed or dies every minute. Blood flow needs to be fixed immediately to increase oxygen levels. Oxygen is administered right away. Whether there is a partial or total blockage of blood flow will determine the specific heart attack treatment.
- Aspirin: You might have been instructed to swallow aspirin if you contacted the emergency number. Blood clotting is reduced by aspirin. It aids in maintaining blood flow through a constricted artery. If you need emergency medical attention, aspirin might be administered.
- Clot removers (thrombolytics or Fibrinolytic): These medications aid in dissolving any blood clots obstructing the heart's blood supply. Following a heart attack, the sooner thrombolytic medication is administered, the less the heart is harmed and the higher the likelihood of survival.
- Heparin: Heparin is a medication that can be injected or given intravenously. Heparin reduces blood's stickiness and clot-forming potential.
- Nitroglycerin: The blood vessels are widened by this drug. It enhances the heart's ability to receive blood. Unexpected chest pain can be treated with nitroglycerin (angina). It can be administered as an injection, a pill to swallow, or a pill under the tongue.
- Beta snubbers: These drugs lower blood pressure and slow the heartbeat. Beta-blockers can reduce the degree of heart muscle deterioration and stop more heart attacks. Most people who are suffering from a heart attack receive them.
- ACE blockers: These medications lessen heart stress by lowering blood pressure.
- Morphine. Chest pain that does not go away with nitroglycerin is treated with this medication.
- Statins: These medications aid in reducing high cholesterol levels. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol that is too high might clog.
Find Fortis Hospitals Near You: Fortis Hospital Locator
