What is a Heart Attack?
This condition occurs when the heart muscle does not get enough blood that carries oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. This condition is also known as myocardial infarction. When this happens, the heart can get damaged or die. It is estimated that in The United States, a heart attack occurs every 40 seconds.
Some people who have a heart attack may have warning signs, while others may show no signs at all. Here are some symptoms may people report:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Trouble breathing
- Upper body pain
This condition requires immediate medical attention from anyone who is experiencing these symptoms.
What causes a Heart Attack?
There are a few cardiac conditions that can cause heart attacks, such as.
- Artherosclerosis, plaque buildup in the arteries that prevents blood from getting to the heart muscle.
- Blood clots
- Blood vessels spam
Some factors place you at higher risk, including:
- Alcohol consumption
- Family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes.
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Men are more at risk than women.
- The risk for having a heart attack is greater when you are over 65 years old
- Smoking
- Stress
How is Heart Attack Treated?
We may use a variety of tests and treatments, depending on the cause.
We may order a cardiac catheterization.
If you’ve had a heart attack, we may recommend a procedure to relieve pain and help prevent another heart attack from occurring.
There are standard procedures, including
- Angioplasty: opens the blocked artery
- Stent: is a wire mesh tube inserted into the artery to keep it open after angioplasty.
- Heart bypass surgery.
- Heart valve surgery.
- Pacemaker: help your heart maintain a normal rhythm.
- Heart transplant.
A healthy diet and lifestyle are essential in maintaining a healthy heart. Lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of a heart attack.