Heart attack happens when one of the blood vessels that carry blood to heart gets blocked completely or partially blocked. It is also known as myocardial infarction or MI.
Causes
When the artery that carries blood to the heart known as the coronary artery gets damaged and gets blocked due to fatty deposits in the heart known as atherosclerotic plaques, it causes heart attack.
Symptoms
Include:
- Pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest.
- Pain, tingling or discomfort of the upper parts of the body such as back, neck, arm, jaw or stomach.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea, vomiting or heartburn.
- Sweating or cold skin.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness .
- Racing heartbeat.
Diagnostic Tests:
After learning about the symptoms, the doctor will advise for certain tests such as:
- Electrocardiogram or ECG.
- Echocardiogram or 2D echo.
- Blood tests to check for chemicals in blood that are released during a heart attack.
- Cardiac catheterization or coronary angiography.
Treatment:
It requires in-hospital treatment.
- Provide oxygen support.
- Pain medications to ease pain and chest discomfort.
- Medications to prevent blood from clotting.
- Beta blockers to reduce heart damage.
- Coronary stenting.
- Bypass surgery or CABG.
- IV medications known as “clot busters” to break blood clots.
