What Is Heart Attack?
A heart attack happens when there is a significant reduction or blockage in the flow of blood to the heart. Typically, this blockage occurs due to fat accumulation, cholesterol, and other substances like plaques. This buildup of plaques is referred to as atherosclerosis. On occasion, a plaque may break, leading to clot formation that causes blood flow obstruction. This reduction in blood flow can result in damage or even the destruction of a portion of the heart muscle. A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, requires prompt treatment to prevent fatalities.
What Is the Process That Occurs During a Heart Attack?
During a heart attack, there is a cessation or significant reduction in blood flow to a portion of the heart, resulting in injury or death of the affected heart muscle. The impaired pumping ability of the dying heart segment can lead to disruptions in overall heart function, potentially causing a halt or reduction in blood circulation throughout the body, with potentially fatal consequences if not promptly addressed.
What Are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
Some of the typical symptoms of a heart attack include:
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Chest discomfort is characterized by sensations such as tightness, pressure, squeezing, aching, or pain.
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Pain or discomfort that radiates to the arm, shoulder, back, jaw, neck, teeth, or occasionally the upper abdomen.
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Clammy perspiration (cold sweat).
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Fatigue.
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Indigestion or heartburn.
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Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness.
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Nausea.
Women may experience atypical symptoms such as sharp pain felt in the neck, back, or arm and fleeting pain. Occasionally, sudden cardiac arrest can be the initial sign of a heart attack.
While some heart attacks occur suddenly, many individuals experience symptoms and warning signs in hours, days, or weeks before. Persistent chest pain or pressure (angina) that persists and does not alleviate with rest could serve as an early indicator. Angina arises from a temporary reduction in blood flow to the heart.
What Are the Causes of Heart Attack?
Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease. In coronary artery disease, one or more of the coronary arteries of the heart get obstructed. This obstruction typically results from deposits of cholesterol known as plaques. These plaques can constrict the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. When a plaque ruptures, it can trigger the formation of a blood clot within the heart.
A heart attack can result from either partial or complete blockage of a coronary artery. One method of categorizing heart attacks is based on whether an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) displays particular changes (ST elevation) that necessitate urgent invasive treatment. Healthcare providers may utilize electrocardiogram (ECG) findings to characterize these types of heart attacks.
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If there is a sudden and complete obstruction of a medium or large coronary artery, it typically indicates that the individual experienced an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
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A partial blockage frequently indicates a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Nevertheless, some individuals diagnosed with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) may indeed have a complete blockage.
Blocked arteries are not the sole cause of all heart attacks. Other contributing factors include:
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Coronary artery spasms, characterized by intense constriction of a blood vessel without blockage, can lead to a heart attack. Typically, the artery may contain cholesterol plaques or exhibit early hardening due to factors like smoking or other risk factors. This condition is also known as Prinzmetal's angina or variant angina.
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Specific infections, including COVID-19 and other viral illnesses, can lead to heart muscle damage.
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Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a critical condition resulting from a tear occurring within a heart artery.
What Are the Risk Factors for Heart Attacks?
Factors that increase the risk of a heart attack include:
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Age is a significant factor in heart attack risk, with men aged 45 and above and women aged 55 and above being more susceptible compared to younger individuals.
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Tobacco consumption, which encompasses both smoking and prolonged contact with secondhand smoke, will significantly increase heart attack risk. If the individual is a smoker, it is advisable to quit.
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Elevated blood pressure poses a significant risk factor for heart attack as it can gradually harm the arteries supplying the heart. When coupled with other conditions like obesity, high cholesterol, or diabetes, the risk of a heart attack is further heightened.
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Elevated levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood present a heightened risk for heart attack. Specifically, a high concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is particularly associated with the narrowing of arteries. Additionally, increased levels of certain blood fats known as triglycerides further elevate the risk of experiencing a heart attack. Maintaining standard levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol helps lower heart attack risk.
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Diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively utilize it, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. This heightened blood sugar significantly amplifies the risk of experiencing a heart attack.
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Obesity is combined with diabetes, elevated blood pressure, heightened triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, and reduced HDL cholesterol levels.
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Emotional stress, including intense anger, can heighten the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack.
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Metabolic syndrome, characterized by central obesity, high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, and elevated blood sugar, doubles the risk of heart disease.
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Insufficient physical activity causes an increased risk of heart attacks, whereas regular exercise enhances heart health.
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An unhealthy diet, rich in sugars, processed foods, animal fats, trans fats, and sodium, heightens the likelihood of heart attacks. Opt for fruits, vegetables, fiber, and healthy oils for a better heart.
What Are the Life-Saving Steps to Be Taken During a Heart Attack?
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Individuals can take immediate life-saving steps at home before being transferred to the hospital.
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Take an Aspirin tablet 75 mg to 200 mg maximum immediately. This helps decrease chest pain and improves the blood supply to the damaged region.
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Reach the emergency department of the hospital as soon as possible. Reaching within two hours is considered to give a better disease outcome.
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Never make the patient walk or stand during a heart attack. No physical stress should be allowed, and patients should be reassured to decrease anxiety.
Conclusion
Recognizing early signs of a heart attack, such as chest discomfort, sweating, or arm pain, is crucial for prompt medical intervention. Awareness of risk factors like age, smoking, and high blood pressure can aid in prevention. Reaching out to healthcare providers may be beneficial.