Acute Heart Attack – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment in India

Cardiac Emergencies: Understanding and Prevention

Cardiac emergencies are critical and can arise from various causes, each resulting in potentially devastating consequences. The eponym “When the bolt strikes…” aptly describes the sudden and severe nature of these emergencies.

Acute Heart Attack: Definition and Causes

A heart attack, medically termed Myocardial Infarction, occurs when a coronary artery becomes completely blocked by a plaque composed of cholesterol, blood cells, fibrin, and calcium.

Risk Factors for Acute Heart Attack

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

• Age: Over 83% of coronary heart disease-related deaths occur in individuals aged 65 and older.
• Gender: Men generally face a higher risk of heart attacks earlier in life.
• Heredity (Including Race): Family history plays a significant role in predisposing individuals to heart disease.

Modifiable Risk Factors:

• Smoking: Smokers face a significantly elevated risk of developing coronary heart disease.
• High Blood Cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease, especially when combined with other factors like high blood pressure.
• High Blood Pressure: Increases the workload on the heart, raising the risk of heart attacks and stroke.
• Physical Inactivity: typified by a sedentary lifestyle, is a contributing factor to the risk of heart disease.
• Obesity: Excess weight, especially around the waist, increases the likelihood of heart disease and stroke.
• Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes significantly heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease risk and worsen existing conditions.
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to heart failure and increase the likelihood of heart disease.

Symptoms of Acute Heart Attack

Symptoms include sudden, severe chest pain that may radiate to the left arm or jaw, accompanied by sweating and weakness. Prompt medical attention is crucial.

Emergency Treatment for Acute Heart Attack

Immediate measures include oxygen therapy, pain relief, and medications like aspirin and statins. Treatment aims to restore blood flow to the heart and prevent further damage.

Complications of Heart Attack

Complications may include cardiogenic shock, arrhythmias, heart failure, and in severe cases, cardiac rupture.

Treatment Approaches

• Thrombolytic Therapy: Using clot-dissolving medications to restore blood flow.
• Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Emergency angioplasty to open blocked arteries.
• Surgical Interventions: In some cases, bypass surgery may be necessary to restore blood flow.

Post-Treatment Care and Prevention

Patients require hospitalization and subsequent follow-up care to manage risk factors and prevent future incidents Lifestyle adjustments, consistent medication adherence, and regular medical check-ups are crucial.