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Heart Attack

What is Heart Attack?

  • A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or completely blocked, causing damage to the heart tissue.
  • Usually caused by blockage in coronary arteries.
  • Blockage occurs due to buildup of fat, cholesterol, and plaque.
  • A ruptured plaque can form a blood clot.
  • Lack of oxygen causes heart muscle damage or death.
  • It is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment.
  • A heart attack is also called myocardial infarction (MI).

Causes of Heart Attack

  • Plaque buildup
  • Blood clot blocking artery
  • Tear in artery wall
  • Severe narrowing of arteries
  • Coronary artery disease

Symptoms of Heart Attack

  • Chest pain or pressure (tightness or squeezing)
  • Pain spreading to arm, neck, jaw, back, or shoulder
  • Shortness of breath
  • Cold sweating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or light headedness
  • Extreme fatigue

Types of Heart Attack

  • STEMI - complete artery blockage (severe)
  • NSTEMI - partial blockage
  • Coronary artery spasm-related heart attack

Diagnosis of Heart Attack

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Blood tests (cardiac enzymes)
  • Echocardiogram
  • Coronary angiography
  • CT or MRI scans

Complications of Heart Attack

  • Heart failure
  • Arrhythmias
  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Sudden cardiac arrest
  • Recurrent heart attack

Treatment of Heart Attack

  • Emergency Treatment
    • Call emergency services immediately
    • Aspirin (if advised)
    • Oxygen and medications
    • Restore blood flow quickly
  • Medical Procedures
    • Angioplasty and stent placement
    • Thrombolytic therapy (clot-dissolving drugs)
    • Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG)
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