Heart attack - Symptoms, Complications and Treatments

  Category: Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery     Date: 08-08-2023  

Heart attack is a medical emergency that occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. This blockage is usually caused by a blood clot forming in one of the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

When the blood flow to the heart muscle is interrupted, the affected part of the heart does not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to damage and potentially death of the heart tissue. The longer the blood flow is blocked, the more damage can occur.

Diagnosis is inevitable when you encounter any signs of a heart attack. The aspects covered in diagnosis cover checking blood pressure, temperature and pulse. You can approach a heart specialist in Patna who will undergo relevant tests to determine how your heart is beating as well as to determine overall heart health. To diagnose a heart attack, a heart specialist may undergo any one of the tests like Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), Blood tests, Chest X-ray, Echocardiogram, angiogram, Cardiac computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Keep in mind that with each minute passing after a heart attack, more heart tissue dies or gets damaged. Hence, urgent treatment is crucial to restore oxygen levels and fix blood flow. 

Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience different signs than others. It's crucial to remember that heart attacks can be life-threatening, and if you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention is essential. Common heart attack symptoms include:

1. Chest pain or discomfort: This is one of the most common heart attack symptoms for which you can get accurate treatment by contacting a heart clinic near me. The pain may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
2. Upper body pain: Pain or discomfort may also be felt in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach. The pain can be mild or severe and may come and go.
3. Shortness of breath: Feeling breathless, having difficulty breathing, or experiencing sudden and unexplained shortness of breath can be a sign of a heart attack.
4. Cold sweats: Profuse sweating, often accompanied by a feeling of anxiety, can occur during a heart attack.
5. Nausea and vomiting: Some people may experience feelings of nausea, and it may be accompanied by vomiting.
6. Lightheadedness or dizziness: Feeling faint, dizzy, or lightheaded, sometimes leading to fainting, can be a symptom of a heart attack. If you are frequently suffering from this condition, it is advisable to approach a cardiologist in Patna who can determine whether it is a sign of heart attack or not.
7. Fatigue: Unusual or extreme fatigue or weakness, especially when combined with other symptoms, could indicate a heart attack.

Treatment for a heart attack aims to restore blood flow to the affected part of the heart as quickly as possible to minimize damage and improve outcomes. The main treatments for a heart attack include:

• Medications: Emergency medical personnel may administer medications such as aspirin to help prevent blood clotting and thrombolytics (clot-busting drugs) to dissolve the blood clot causing the heart attack.
• Coronary Angioplasty and Stent Placement: This is a common procedure used to open blocked coronary arteries. A thin tube (catheter) with a balloon on its tip is inserted into the blocked artery and inflated to widen it. A stent (a small mesh tube) may then be placed to keep the artery open. A reliable cardiologist doctornear me is proficient at accomplishing this procedure based on your symptoms.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): In some cases, when angioplasty and stenting are not feasible, CABG surgery may be performed. This involves using a blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass the blocked coronary artery and restore blood flow to the heart.
• Medications to Improve Heart Function: After a heart attack, medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins may be prescribed to help improve heart function and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events.

Complications of a heart attack can occur during or after the event. Some potential complications include:

1. Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms can occur due to damage to the heart's electrical system.
2. Heart Failure: A weakened heart may have difficulty pumping blood effectively.
3. Cardiogenic Shock: Severe heart muscle damage can lead to a dangerous drop in blood pressure and organ failure. If you come across acute across these conditions, it is recommended to immediately seek treatment from the best cardiologist in Patna.
4. Pericarditis: Inflammation of the pericardium, the sac around the heart.
5. Ventricular Aneurysm: A bulge or ballooning of the heart's wall.
6. Blood Clots: Clots may form in the heart or other parts of the body.

In case of a suspected heart attack, call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help to arrive, you can take the following steps:

Chew Aspirin: If you have aspirin available and are not allergic, you can chew and swallow one adult (325mg) or four baby (81mg) aspirin tablets. This may help to reduce blood clot formation.

Stay Calm and Rest: Try to keep the person calm and in a resting position.

Loosen Clothing: Loosen any tight clothing to make breathing easier.

Don't Drive: Avoid driving yourself or the affected person to the hospital, as emergency medical personnel can provide the appropriate care on the way.

The specific heart treatment by the heart hospital Patna depends on whether the patient has a complete or partial blockage of blood flow. If you encounter any signs of a heart attack, a surgery or procedural treatment can be undergone to open a blocked artery. Usually, a heart attack is diagnosed in an emergency setting. You can go for a cardiovascular risk assessment to conclude your level of risk. When you book the appointment, make sure to ask if there's anything you must do in advance, including diet restriction.  You may have to avoid drink or food for a while before undergoing a cholesterol test.

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