Cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, is the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for nearly 18 million deaths each year. A heart attack is a serious medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked.
Also known as myocardial infarction (MI), a heart attack happens when a blockage in the coronary arteries prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle. Without timely treatment, this lack of oxygen can damage or destroy parts of the heart muscle.
Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment of a heart attack is essential, as recognising the warning signs and seeking immediate medical care can significantly improve survival and recovery outcomes.
A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching the heart tissue.
The blockage is often due to a plaque in the coronary arteries. When this plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms, blocking the flow of blood. This interruption deprives the heart muscle of oxygen and nutrients, leading to heart muscle cells dying.
Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person, but recognising the warning signs early can help ensure timely medical treatment.
Chest pain or discomfort - pressure, squeezing or fullness in the chest that lasts for several minutes or comes and goes
Shortness of breath - difficulty breathing with or without chest discomfort
Nausea or cold sweats - symptoms that may resemble indigestion or flu
Dizziness or light-headedness - feeling faint or weak
Pain that spreads to other areas - including the jaw, neck, back, arms, or stomach. Sometimes, this pain might be mistaken for a muscle strain or other less serious condition.
Heart attacks are usually caused by conditions that damage or narrow the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart muscle.
Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty deposits called plaque build up in the coronary arteries, narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow. When a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form, completely blocking the artery and causing a heart attack.
High cholesterol levels significantly contribute to plaque build-up. Cholesterol can deposit on the artery walls, forming plaques that grow over time, increasing the risk of artery blockage.
When plaque ruptures, blood clots can form and suddenly block blood flow to the heart muscle, causing a heart attack. Cardiac biomarkers, particularly troponin, play a crucial role in diagnosing myocardial infarction caused by such blood clots.
Hypertension forces the heart to work harder than normal, increasing the risk of heart attack. It can also damage the arteries, making them more susceptible to plaque build-up.
Smoking damages the lining of the arteries, making it easier for plaque to build up and narrowing the arteries. It's a major risk factor for heart attacks.
Obesity, diabetes, a sedentary lifestyle, and a poor diet also increase the risk of heart attacks. These factors can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and other heart-related issues.
Myocardial ischaemia, resulting from insufficient blood flow to the heart muscle, can also occur due to these risk factors, leading to conditions such as acute coronary syndrome and acute myocardial infarction.
Acute coronary syndrome refers to a group of conditions caused by sudden reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. These conditions range in severity but all require prompt medical attention.
STEMI is the most severe type of heart attack and occurs when a coronary artery is completely blocked. This causes a prolonged interruption of blood supply to the heart muscle and can lead to significant heart damage if not treated immediately.
NSTEMI occurs when blood flow to the heart is partially blocked. Although the damage to the heart muscle may be less extensive than in STEMI, NSTEMI is still a serious condition that requires urgent medical treatment.
Unstable angina occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced due to narrowing of the coronary arteries but without permanent damage to the heart muscle. It is considered a medical emergency because it can quickly progress to a myocardial infarction if left untreated.
A heart attack is a medical emergency. Recognising the symptoms and taking immediate action can help reduce heart damage and significantly improve survival.
If you suspect that you or someone else is having a heart attack, take the following steps:
Call emergency medical services immediately. Do not delay seeking medical help. Prompt treatment is critical to restore blood flow to the heart and prevent further damage.
Stay calm and sit or lie down while waiting for help. Avoid unnecessary movement or physical exertion, as this may place additional strain on the heart.
Chew an aspirin if advised by a healthcare professional. Aspirin can help thin the blood and reduce clot formation, which may help improve blood flow to the heart.
Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if the person becomes unresponsive and an AED is available. AEDs can help restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
Doctors use several medical tests to confirm a heart attack and assess the extent of damage to the heart muscle.
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a crucial test for suspected heart attacks and is ideally performed within 10 minutes of hospital admission. It measures the heart’s electrical activity and records impulses on paper to assess heart function. The test is painless, takes about five minutes, and involves attaching electrodes to the arms, legs and chest that connect to the ECG machine.
After a heart attack, specific proteins leak into the bloodstream as heart muscle cells become damaged. Doctors test for these cardiac biomarkers, particularly cardiac troponin, which helps confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of myocardial infarction.
A chest X-ray may be used to evaluate the heart and lungs, especially when the diagnosis is uncertain. It can help detect complications following a heart attack, such as pulmonary oedema, and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to produce images of the heart. This test allows doctors to assess how well the heart is pumping and identify areas of the heart muscle that may have been damaged during a heart attack.
Coronary angiography is a specialised imaging procedure used to detect blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries. A catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart while X-ray images are taken. A contrast dye is then injected to visualise blood flow in the coronary arteries, helping cardiologists identify blockages and determine the most appropriate treatment.
Treatment for a heart attack focuses on restoring blood flow to the heart muscle as quickly as possible and preventing further damage.
Immediate action during a heart attack is critical. Key steps include performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), using an automated external defibrillator (AED) and calling emergency medical services. Rapid intervention can significantly improve survival outcomes, especially if cardiac arrest occurs.
Medical treatments aim to restore blood flow and minimise damage to the heart muscle. Procedures such as angioplasty and stent placement help open blocked arteries, while thrombolytic medications may be used to dissolve blood clots. In more severe cases, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) may be required to restore blood flow to the heart.
Following a heart attack, ongoing care is important to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events and support recovery. This may include medications such as aspirin and statins, lifestyle changes including a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, smoking cessation and participation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes.
Many heart attacks can be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices and early management of cardiovascular risk factors.
Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking to support heart health. Healthy lifestyle habits help improve cardiovascular health, support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and reduce strain on the heart.
Managing risk factors: Managing underlying health conditions is crucial for preventing heart attacks. This includes controlling high blood pressure through medication, diet and exercise, managing diabetes by monitoring blood sugar levels and making lifestyle changes, and maintaining healthy cholesterol levels to prevent plaque build-up in the arteries.
Early medical intervention is crucial during a heart attack. If symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea or dizziness occur, seek emergency medical care immediately.
The Cardiology Department at Prince Court Medical Centre provides cutting-edge cardiac care with expert cardiologists offering personalised treatments and diagnostics. We focus on building trust and empowering patients for better heart health.
Book and appointment today if you are concerned about your risk of heart attack and speak to our cardiologists for a personalised assessment and preventive care plan.
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