Heart Attack- What?

Heart Attack:

Description: Occurs when the areas of the heart muscle is deprived of blood flow and oxygen for a prolonged period , usually within 20 to 30 minute, and the muscle begin to die.

Causes of Heart Attack:

Usually the result of severe narrowing or a complete block of a diseased coronary artery or plaque rupture or erosion with secondary thrombus formation. Rare causes include Embolism, dissection of the coronary artery, block blood flow to heart muscles causing a heart attack.

Symptoms/Signs of a heartattack

Chest discomfort is the most important signal of a heart attack. Discomfort can occur in other areas of upper body.

Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the neck, vomiting, back, jaws and stomach. Other signs may include sweating, nausea, lightheadedness or shortness of breath.

Be alert to the fact that in a long term follow-up of the Framingham study one third of first infarctions in men and half of those in women were clinically unrecognized. About one half of them are truly silent, but other 50% has a typical presentations.

1. The discomfort may not be severe and the patient may complain only of related symptoms, such as shortness of breath.

2. The person does not necessarily have to "look bad" and have all the symptoms of a heart attack to be present.

3. Stabbing , momentary twinges of pain are usually not a signals of heart attack.

4. If the patient uses the word sharp to describe the pain, ask him or her to use another word to clarify the meaning.

The Manor Controllable Risk factors of heart attack and Stroke:

Cigarette Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the most important single cause of preventable death in the United States. Smoking damages blood vessels and causes numerous other preventable diseases. Stop smoking as soon as possible. Seek help from your physician. Pick a day now to quit. It is the greatest gift you can give to your self and your dear one.

High blood pressure: uncontrolled high blood pressure is associated with a greatest risk of heart attack and is the single most important risk factor for stroke. High blood pressure can damage your blood vessels and even lead to a rupture of blood vessel in the brain. Have your blood pressure checked regularly and seek treatment if high blood pressure is noted.

High blood cholesterol: when the excess cholesterol is deposited in the inner walls of the arteries, it can cause the arteries to narrow and obstruct blood flow to the heart or brain. Avoid a diet high in saturated fat.

Physical inactive: a sedentary life style can lead to heart attack, but vigorous exercise by persons who have not exercised regularly can be dangerous. Consult a physician before starting an exercise.

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