Thursday, September 12, 2019
Heart attack:
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle becomes blocked. The lack of blood flow can cause the affected heart muscle to be damaged or die if not treated promptly. Heart attacks are a medical emergency and require immediate medical attention.
Here are some key points about heart attacks:
Causes:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Most heart attacks are caused by CAD, where the coronary arteries, responsible for supplying blood to the heart muscle, become narrowed due to the buildup of plaque (cholesterol, fat, and other substances).
Blood Clot: A heart attack can occur if a blood clot forms and blocks the narrowed artery, cutting off blood supply to the heart muscle.
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Symptoms:
Chest Pain or Discomfort: This is the most common symptom. It may feel like pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts for several minutes or goes away and comes back.
Pain in Other Areas: Pain or discomfort can also occur in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Shortness of Breath: This may occur with or without chest discomfort.
Other Symptoms: Cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, and fatigue.
Risk Factors:
Unhealthy Diet: High intake of saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium.
Physical Inactivity: Lack of regular exercise.
Smoking: Both active and passive smoking.
High Blood Pressure: Hypertension puts extra strain on the heart.
Diabetes: Increases the risk of heart disease.
Obesity: Excess body weight can contribute to heart problems.
Prevention:
Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Regular Check-ups: Monitor and control blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes with regular medical check-ups.
Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation and yoga.
Medications: If prescribed, take medications for hypertension, cholesterol, and diabetes as directed.
Treatment:
Emergency Care: Call emergency services immediately if someone shows symptoms of a heart attack.
Medical Procedures: Treatments may include angioplasty, stent placement, or coronary artery bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the heart.
Medications: Aspirin, clot-busting drugs, antiplatelet agents, and other medications may be administered.
Prompt medical intervention and lifestyle changes are crucial to preventing and recovering from heart attacks. If you suspect a heart attack, do not ignore the symptoms; seek medical help immediately.