Heart Attack: All you need to Know

Known as one of the strongest muscles we have, the heart is responsible for pumping the blood, supplying oxygen and removing all the metabolic waste of the body. The blood vessels supplying the blood to the heart sometimes get blocked, and in return, cause a reduction in the blood flow. The blockage in the blood vessel can be due to excess cholesterol, fat or other substance in the body, forming a plaque in the arteries. This reduced blood flow due to the plaque ultimately leads to a Heart attack, which is also known as Myocardial Infarction. A heart attack is often sudden and can be extremely fatal. But with new developments in the diagnostic and treatment options, the chances of surviving and getting better are much higher than before. Hospital like Care Hospitals Ramnagar has equipped themself with the latest technologies, supporting doctors who specialize in cardiac science and cardiac surgery. Symptoms of Heart attack Some symptoms which can help identify a heart attack immediately arernPain, tightness or aching sensation in the chestrnRadiating pain in the jaws, back or armrnSweatingrnNausearnShortness of breathrnFatigue and lightheadednessrnIf one witnesses similar symptoms in themselves or someone else, they should immediately seek medical help and consult a heart specialist. When to seek help? Some individuals experience some warning signs, and some do not. The warning signs or heart attack symptoms are an alarm to seek urgent help. One should never delay and wait for the symptoms to subside.rnOne should call an ambulance or if the conveyance is available, take the patient to the hospital.rnOne should give aspirin lingually to the patient if prescribed by a doctor.rnOne should give nitroglycerine if prescribed by the doctor. Causes of Heart Attack Multiple causes are listed out for an individual to have a heart attack. Some prominent ones includernCoronary artery disease - In this disease, the arteries supplying blood to the heart block due to plaque formation. This happens over time and causes fatal repercussions.rnSpasm of the coronary arteryrnBlood clotsrnExcessive consumption of tobaccornConsumption of illicit drugs Risk Factor Risk factors are unwanted factors which by default increase the risk for an individual to have a heart attack. Some risk factors cannot be changed, while some can be modified completely. These risk factors includernAge - Research suggests that men above the age of 45 and women above the age of 55 are more prone to heart attacks than the same genders when younger.rnGender - Men are more prone to heart attack than women.rnFamily history - Family history plays a very crucial role in determining if an individual will have a heart attack or other heart problems or not. If siblings, parents or grandparents have a history of heart attacks, the risk for that individual also increases. A family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity also increases the risk of a heart attack. The history of preeclampsia in pregnant women increases the risk of having a heart attack.rnMetabolic disorders - Metabolic syndromes increase the risk of having a heart attack. Diagnosis, treatment, and management of such disorders are key. Some risk factors which can be modified includernTobacco consumption - One should try to reduce it as much as possiblernStress level - Less stress reduces the riskrnObesity - Opting for weight loss activities promote a better life and less riskrnAlcohol consumption - Reduction in alcohol is always advisablernDiet and lifestyle modifications - Consuming less oily and greasy food, and more of fresh vegetables cooked in less oil. Portion size also matters in such situations. Complications The complications as a result of a heart attack can be permanent and very dangerous.rnA heart attack can cause a disturbance in the heart rhythm or an electrical short circuit, also known as Arrhythmia. These arrhythmias can be fatal.rnHeart attacks can also lead to heart failure, causing irreversible damage to the heart muscle. The ability of the heart to pump blood will decreases drastically.rnA heart attack also increases the risk of further heart attacks and cardiac arrest. Prevention of Heart attack The best way to prevent Heart attacks is to modify the above-mentioned risk factors. Some preventive measures arernReduction of consumption of alcohol and tobaccornExercising regularlyrnDiet management and change in lifestylernStopping the consumption of illicit drugsrnOpting for preventive heart health check-ups Many super-specialty hospitals, including