Heart Attack Treatment
TreatmentThe quicker someone is treated when having a heart attack, the greater the chances of success. These days, most heart attacks can be dealt with effectively.
However, it is crucial to remember that a person's survival depends largely on how quickly they reach the hospital. Treatments during a heart attack
Sometimes, a person who is having a heart attack will stop breathing. In this case, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, should be started immediately. This process involves:
manual chest compressions
a defibrillator
Treatments following a heart attack
Most people will need several kinds of medications or treatments after a heart attack. The aim of these measures is to prevent future heart attacks occurring. They may include:
aspirin and other antiplatelets
beta blockers
ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors
statins
angioplasty
CABG or coronary artery bypass graft
Definition
A heart attack is a medical emergency in which the supply of blood to the heart becomes blocked, often as the result of a blood clot.
Other terms used for a heart attack include myocardial infarction, cardiac infarction, and coronary thrombosis. An infarction is when the blood supply to an area is cut off, and the tissue in that area dies.
A heart attack is often confused for a cardiac arrest. While they are both medical emergencies, a heart attack is the blockage of an artery leading to the heart, and a cardiac arrest involves the heart stopping the pumping of blood around the body. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest.
Prevention
The best way of preventing a heart attack is to have a healthy lifestyle. Measures for healthy living include the following:
not smoking
eating a balanced, healthful diet
getting plenty of exercise
getting plenty of good quality sleep
keeping diabetes under control
keeping alcohol intake down
maintaining blood cholesterol at optimum levels
keeping blood pressure at a safe level
maintaining a healthy body weight
avoiding stress where possible
learning how to manage stress
It may be helpful for people to learn more about the warning signs of a heart attack, as well.
Diagnosis
Any doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional will send someone straight to hospital if they suspect they may be having a heart attack. Once there, several tests may be done, including:
ECG or electrocardiograph
cardiac enzyme tests
chest X-ray
Recovery
Recovering from a heart attack can be a gradual process. It depends on the severity of the heart attack and other factors, such as a person's age.
A person's recovery may involve:
Resuming physical activity: it is vital that a recovering heart attack patient stays active. However, a specialist should design any exercise program for them.
Returning to work: the appropriate time for someone to go back to work depends on various factors, including the severity of the heart attack and the type of job they do. It is vital not to rush back to work.
A period of depression: many people who have had a heart attack experience depression not long afterward. Those who feel depressed or anxious should tell their doctors.
Driving again: experts advise that a person refrains from driving for at least 4 weeks after a heart attack.
Erectile dysfunction: approximately one-third of men have problems getting or sustaining an erection after a heart attack.
It is important that men with erectile dysfunction talk to their doctors, as medication can restore function in most cases.
Experts say that sexual activity does not raise a person's risk of having another heart attack.
Causes
The following factors are associated with increased risk of a heart attack:
Age: Heart attacks are more likely when a man is over 45, and when a woman is over 55.
Angina: This causes chest pain due to lack of oxygen or blood supply to the heart.
High cholesterol levels: These can increase the chance of blood clots in the arteries.
Diabetes: This can increase heart attack risk.
Diet: For example, consuming large quantities of saturated fats can increase the likelihood of a heart attack.
Genetics: A person can inherit a higher risk of heart attack.
Heart surgery: This can lead to a heart attack later on.
Hypertension: High blood pressure can put unnecessary strain on the heart.
Obesity: Being significantly overweight can put pressure on the heart.
Previous heart attack.
Smoking: Smokers are at much higher risk than non-smokers.
HIV: People who are HIV-positive have a 50 percent higher risk.
Work stress: Those who are shift workers or have stressful jobs can face a higher heart attack risk.
Physical inactivity is a factor in heart attack risk, and the more active people are, the lower their risk of having a heart attack.
Often, when it occurs, a heart attack is caused by a combination of factors, rather than a single one.
