Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Heart attack is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.  As per NHLBI (National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute), about 1.2 million Americans have heart attacks each year and many of them die.

Heart attack occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to the section of muscle of the heart.  If the lack of oxygen continues, muscles of the heart begin to die.  The death of the heart muscle tissue does not occur instantly, but it progresses for several hours.

Obvious physical changes do not occur in the heart until 6 hours after the heart muscle tissues are blocked.  So if you are suspecting that you or someone is experiencing heart attack, it is very important to know what to do to prevent this life threatening condition and limit damage to the heart.

Quick intervention can save a life, call 911.

Risk Factors that we can control

• Atherosclerosis
  
• High cholesterol level
  
• Coronary artery disease
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
  
• Obesity and overweight
• Physical Inactivity
• Smoking
• Stress

Risk Factors that we cannot control

• Age

The risk increases for men who are 45 years old and above and women after 55 years old (usually after menopause).

• History of heart disease in the family

Signs and Symptoms

• Chest pain or discomfort, usually a squeezing pressure in the center or left side of the chest that lasts for 30 minutes or longer and not relieved with rest.
• Pain that radiates to the jaw, neck, back, left arm or upper part of the stomach.
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden dizziness, lightheadedness and cold sweats
• Nausea ( feeling sick of the stomach) and vomiting
• Tiredness and lack of energy
• Sometimes, heart attack pain may feel like a heartburn or indigestion.

Treatments for Heart Attack

Before the diagnosis:

1. Oxygen therapy.
2. Medication to thin blood and prevent further clotting, usually Aspirin is the medication of choice.
3. Administer Nitroglycerin (vasodilator) to reduce the workload of the heart and improve blood flow through the arteries of the heart.

After the diagnosis:

1. Thrombolytic medications to dissolve blood clots that blocked the arteries of the heart.  It should be given within several hours of heart attack symptoms.
2. Angioplasty, a non-surgical procedure that opens the narrowed or blocked arteries of the heart.
3. CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft), a surgical procedure wherein a healthy artery from your body is removed then grafted to the part of your heart that is blocked and provide new path for blood flow to the heart muscle.  This is usually done when one doesn’t respond to medical management or when the disease progresses even more.

Prevention

• Start or maintain a heart healthy diet by avoiding foods that are high in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, added salt and sugars.
• Maintain your cholesterol at normal level.  Lower your high cholesterol level if needed.
• If you are overweight and obese, consult and work with your doctor a reasonable weight loss program.
• Involve in physical activities as possible.  Talk with your doctor which activities are safe for you.
• Stop smoking or avoid second hand smoking.  If you are smoking, ask your doctor what products and programs that will help you quit.
• Avoid or manage your stress level.  Find ways to help you relax if you are under stress.