A heart attack takes place when the blood supply to the heart muscle is jammed, which is usually the result of a blood clot in the coronary artery. Blockages in the stream of blood often cause irregular heart rhythms named arrhythmias, which impairs the ability of the heart to pump blood around the body. Heart attacks can cause sudden death or permanent injury to the heart muscle if the blockage isn’t treated quickly. The medical name for a heart attack is myocardial infarction.
This is a very serious, life-threatening condition so it is important to know the early warnings and symptoms of a heart attack, as quick treatment can make the difference between life and death.
Every year more than 1 million US inhabitants and over 100,000 people in the UK suffer a heart attack. However, death rates have fallen considerably over the last decade thanks to developments in technology and science.
Emergency treatment can often stop irregular heart rhythms but it is important to seek urgent medical help as quickly as possible. The death rate for heart attacks is highest among those people who do not receive treatment within an hour of suffering a heart attack.
A heart attack is classed as a medical emergency, so it is important to contact the emergency services as soon as possible if you believe you, or somebody else, is suffering from a heart attack. Rapid treatment for a heart attack can save lives and stop long-lasting injury to the heart muscle.
In most cases, heart attacks are the result of a blood clot blocking the blood supply to the heart muscle. Clots occurring within the coronary arteries prevent the blood from reaching certain parts of the heart, which means that the heart is starved of oxygen. If the block is left untreated the heart muscle cells will eventually die.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the main reason for heart attacks, which occurs as a result of the coronary arteries becoming harder and narrower due to a build-up of fatty deposits inside the artery walls (this is known as atherosclerosis). Over the course of time the collection of fatty deposits inside the artery walls causes the following problems:
In less common cases, heart attacks can be caused by a spasm of the coronary artery. A spasm is a very severe tightening, which can obstruct the blood flow through the artery. Spasms in the coronary artery can occur in people who do not have coronary heart disease and may be caused by:
Several risk factors have been identified for heart attacks. These factors increase the risk of suffering a heart attack, but they do not necessarily mean that an individual will actually have a heart attack.
Symptoms vary according to the individual and even if the same person has two heart attacks they may experience different symptoms. Some people do not have any symptoms, and this is known as a silent heart attack.
The signs of angina are often comparable to signs of a heart attack. If you have been diagnosed with angina and you feel that your symptoms are getting worse, see a doctor as quickly as possible.
It is important to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack, in order to get help as quickly as possible in the event of suffering a heart attack or coming across another person who is having one. If you believe you are suffering a heart attack or somebody else shows the signs of a heart attack, get emergency medical help as soon as possible. This could save lives and stop permanent injury to the heart. Lifesaving treatment can be provided by ambulance staff on the journey to hospital.
The diagnostic process for a heart attack can start as soon as you contact the emergency services. If you feel you are suffering a heart attack it is important to get emergency aid as quickly as possible. Do not wait because you are unsure whether or not it is a heart attack. When you reach the emergency department doctors will try to diagnose a heart attack as quickly as possible and will take the following factors into account:
A heart attack should always be treated as a medical emergency and the sooner a heart attack is treated the lower the risk of lasting injury to the heart. Treatment for a heart attack is often provided by emergency medical staff while the patient is on their way to the emergency department.
At the hospital, if you are suffering a heart attack, doctors will act swiftly to re-establish the flow of blood towards the heart and observe your vital signs very closely. It is vital to restore normal blood supply to the heart, as the cells will start to die if they are starved of oxygen. The main treatments used to re-establish blood supply are clot-busting medication and a surgical procedure known as an angioplasty.
In hospital patients who have had or are suffering a heart attack are usually treated in specialist heart units called coronary care units (CCU). The CCU is specifically equipped to treat patients and monitor their condition to test for alterations or complications. The patient’s vital signs, including their pulse oximetry (the level of oxygen within the blood) and blood pressure, will be studied and the EKG will be used to check for irregular heart rhythms and problems with heart function.
Medication used to treat heart attacks may include:
The length of time you stay in hospital after a heart attack depends on the severity of your condition. Most people stay in hospital for several days following a heart attack. During your time in hospital your vital signs will be monitored closely and you will be given treatment for any difficulties that occur due to the initial heart attack. While you are in hospital or shortly after you return home it is common to have additional tests, including:
Your doctor may advise cardiac rehabilitation following a heart attack to aid your recovery and reduce the risk of more heart attacks in the future. Cardiac rehabilitation is beneficial for almost everyone that has suffered a heart attack.
A cardiac rehabilitation team may be made up of:
Rehab generally contains two key elements:
After you leave hospital you will be advised to follow a rehabilitation regime and see doctors on a regular basis so they can monitor your condition. You may be advised to take medication and make changes to your lifestyle. It is important that you follow the doctor’s instructions for taking medication. Most people take medication on a daily basis following a heart attack, which may include:
The majority of heart attacks are the result of coronary heart disease. You can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by knowing the risk factors, living a healthy lifestyle and taking steps to decrease your risk of suffering a heart attack. Even if you have previously suffered a heart attack making changes to your lifestyle can still be beneficial.
Making simple changes to your lifestyle could have a hugely positive impact on your general health and help to lower your chances of coronary heart disease and other serious health conditions. The following lifestyle choices will help to decrease your chances of suffering a heart attack:
Many conditions increase the risk of suffering a heart attack and treating them will help to reduce the risk of a heart attack. These conditions include:
Your doctor will be able to advise how to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, and provide information about reducing your blood sugar level and keeping blood glucose levels stable.
If you have previously suffered a heart attack there are things you can commit to in order to reduce the risk of suffering a second or more heart attacks. It is essential that you keep to your doctor’s guidance about healthy living, taking medication and exercising. Following your doctor’s advice will help to prevent complications and further damage and reduce the risk of another heart attack.
It is important to have plans in place in the event that you experience symptoms and early warning signs of a heart attack. These include being aware of the symptoms and signs, knowing where your local hospital is and making sure you know how to contact the emergency services. It is worth noting that the signs of another heart attack may possibly be different from the previous heart attack.
Many people survive heart attacks and go on to live a healthy, long life. However, it is important to follow doctors’ advice about lifestyle changes, taking medication and eliminating risk factors. The aims for patients who have already suffered a heart attack should be:
All patients who have suffered a heart attack will be advised to attend regular check-ups and have tests to enable doctors to keep an eye on their progress and detect any complications or problems as early as possible. It is likely that your doctor may also advise you to make changes to your lifestyle, adapt your diet, follow a cardiac rehabilitation programme and take medications.
Exercise is very beneficial for health but it is important that you adhere to your doctor’s instructions – as you do not want to place your heart under too much stress. Exercise helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and is also very important for people who need to lose weight.
The majority of people can return to a normal daily routine after a heart attack. But you should ask your doctor for advice about when it is safe to return to work, start an exercise programme, drive and travel by air and engage in sexual activity.
Most people who do not have complications are able to go back to their normal activities after a few weeks.
Many people feel anxious following a heart attack and live in fear of having another in the future. Your doctor will be able to provide information about support systems and you should talk to them if you feel anxious or have symptoms of depression. You may be advised to take medication and spend time doing activities that relax you and make you feel happy.
If you have previously suffered a heart attack your risk of having another attack in the future will be increased. It is important to have a plan in place in the event of suffering another heart attack. This involves being aware of the symptoms and early warning signs and ensuring that your friends and relatives are aware of the symptoms and know what to do in the event of you falling ill. Many people suffer from angina, but if your angina is getting worse or the pain is taking longer to subside, even when you take medication, see your doctor. If you are not sure whether the pain you have is caused by angina or a heart attack, contact an ambulance and wait for help. It is better to err on the side of caution, as fast treatment can make a huge difference and stop lasting injury to the heart.