A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious medical emergency where the blood supply to a portion of the heart is significantly reduced or completely blocked. This can cause damage to the muscles of the heart, leading to serious health complications or even death. In India and across the world, heart attacks are considered one of the major causes of mortality; hence, it is essential to be well aware of what the symptoms are, the causes, and when to see the doctor.
How Does a Heart Attack Occur?
CAD is the most common cause of heart attacks. Coronary artery disease (CAD) occurs when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances. This leads to the narrowing of the arteries and restricted flow of blood.
Accumulation of fatty deposits in the arterial wall over time leads to atherosclerosis. This may start as early as childhood and progresses with the factors of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes.
Plaque Rupture: When a plaque ruptures, the inner material becomes exposed to the blood, which leads to the formation of a clot at the site. The clot may fully block the artery.
Reduced Blood Flow: If the blood circulation is not reinstated in due time, the heart tissue is likely to begin deteriorating from the anoxia. The degree of damage normally correlates with how long the supply of blood is cut off.
Statistics Globally Regarding Heart Attacks
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming approximately 17.9 million lives each year, with heart attacks being a significant contributor. Among Indian nationals, it has been reported that heart disease is found to be the main cause of death, with 1.8 million people dying annually due to heart attacks. Prevention and early detection are significant factors in addressing these frightening figures.
What are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
Chest pain is commonly recognized as the classic symptom of a heart attack; however, it's essential to understand that symptoms can vary widely between individuals. Here are some common signs of a heart attack:
Chest Pain or Discomfort: It can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or a burning feeling in the chest. This can feel like uncomfortable pressure, a weight, or a band around the chest, lasting more than a few minutes or coming and going.
Shortness of Breath: This can be associated with or without chest discomfort. People will feel that they cannot get enough air, or that breathing is labored or uncomfortable even when at rest.
Pain or discomfort elsewhere: Pain associated with a heart attack often radiates to other areas, such as:
- Arms: Pain usually radiates to one or both sides and can be felt in the left arm.
- Back: For some, it is the upper or lower back that is affected by pain.
- Neck or jaw: Pain is often felt in the neck or jaw and is mistaken to be a dental problem.
- Stomach: Many women often experience nausea or pain in the stomach.
Cold Sweat, Nausea, or Dizziness: Most people also experience sweating, nausea, or dizziness.
Tiredness: Many women experience unusual tiredness or weakness.
Atypical Symptoms
Some people will present with atypical symptoms. This makes it even tougher to determine and diagnose the heart attack.
Indigestion: Heartburn or an upset stomach might be mistaken for some sort of digestive problem by a few.
Fatigue: Fatigue that cannot be explained, especially among women, is a potential indication of heart disease.
Back Pain: Pain in the area between the shoulder blades might be a sign of a heart attack, at least among older adults.
Silent Heart Attacks: Some heart attacks can occur silently, particularly in individuals with diabetes or the elderly, often without any prior warning signs. This underscores the importance of regular health check-ups and awareness of risk factors.
Also, read: Top 6 Silent Heart Attack Symptoms
When to Call an Emergency?
Call Emergency Services: If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait to see if they go away. Call emergency services immediately, as prompt action can be lifesaving.
Act Fast: Every second counts. The sooner the heart muscle is starved of oxygen, the worse it gets.
What to Do Till Help Arrives
While waiting for medical assistance, here are some steps you can take:
Stay Calm: Try to remain as calm as possible to help manage your stress and anxiety.
Sit or Lie Down: Sit in one comfortable position to avoid complications caused by unwarranted strain on the heart.
Avoid Food and Drink: Do not eat or drink anything since this will complicate the medical interventions.
Risk Factors of Heart Attacks
Understanding the risk factors that lead to heart attacks is crucial for taking preventive measures. The major risk factors include:
- Age: Risks for heart attack increase with age, especially among men aged 45 years or older and women aged 55 years or older.
- Family History: Heart disease can be inherited and thus increases your risk.
- High Blood Pressure: Hypertension damages the arteries, causing plaque accumulation.
- High Cholesterol: Excessive cholesterol levels cause plaque formation in arteries.
- Diabetes: It highly raises the risk of heart disease.
- Obesity: One may develop hypertension and become susceptible to diabetes due to excessive body weight.
- Tobacco Smoking: Injuries to the blood vessels are caused, and causes atherosclerosis.
- Low level of physical activity; Heart diseases increase with a decreased level of physical activity in an individual.
- Poor nutrition; Diets rich in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol increase cases of heart disease.
Measures of Prevention
Adopting dietary changes is essential. Consider following an antihypertensive diet, which may include medications like diuretics to help lower blood pressure.
Changing lifestyles
Lifestyle adjustment measures include;
- Healthy Diet: More fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and less saturated fats, sugars, and sodium.
- Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.
- Weight Management: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cessation and minimizing exposure to secondhand smoke.
- Limit Alcohol Consumption: If you drink alcohol, keep it within limits.
Regular check-ups
Regular medical checkups can watch for risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Early identification and treatment of these can significantly decrease the risk of a heart attack.
Also, read: How to Stop a Heart Attack in 30 seconds
Manage Stress
Stress is one of the primary causes of heart disease. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as yoga meditation, or deep breathing exercises to enhance the overall heart condition.
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