Heart attacks are serious health emergencies that demand immediate medical attention. Heart attack develops when a blockage in coronary arteries hinders blood flow to the heart. This blockage can damage the heart permanently. Learning about the types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for heart attacks is vital for early intervention and effective management of this life-threatening condition.
heart attack

What Is A Heart Attack?

The coronary arteries carry blood to the heart and help it to perform normal bodily processes and functions. A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, develops when a blockage occurs in the coronary arteries that impedes the blood flow to the heart.

When fat, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate, plaque deposits form in the blood vessels. The plaques get damaged over time and may release platelets, which can cause blood to clot and eventually block the blood flow.

When the blood flow is limited, it can damage the heart muscle. The intensity of damage will depend on the size of the blockage; when blood does not reach a particular segment of the heart, the damage will be more significant.

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Types of Heart Attacks:

STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction)

This type of heart attack occurs when there is a complete blockage in one of the coronary arteries, leading to a prolonged interruption of blood flow to the heart muscle. It is a serious and urgent condition requiring immediate medical intervention.

Non-STEMI (Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction)

Non-STEMI is characterized by a partial blockage or temporary blood clot in the coronary arteries. While it is less severe than STEMI, it still requires prompt medical attention as it can progress to a more critical state.

Coronary Artery Spasm

In some cases, a heart attack may result from the temporary constriction or spasm of coronary arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. This type, known as a coronary artery spasm, can develop even in the absence of coronary artery disease.

Also Read: Heart Failure: Symptoms, Causes, Types And Treatment

Causes of Heart Attacks

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The primary cause of heart attacks is often coronary artery disease. In this condition, the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances.

Blood Clots

Blood clots can obstruct coronary arteries, leading to a sudden interruption of blood flow and causing a heart attack. Clots may form due to ruptured plaques in the arteries.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries, contributes to heart attacks by restricting blood flow. Plaques formed by cholesterol, fat, and other substances can rupture, triggering a fall of events leading to a heart attack.

Also Read: Heart Attacks, Cardiac Arrests At Young Age! 5 Ways To Prevent These Fatal Events

Symptoms of Heart Attacks

Chest Pain or Discomfort

Persistent chest pain, pressure, or discomfort is a classic symptom of a heart attack. The sensation may radiate to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.

Shortness of Breath

Troubled breathing or sudden shortness of breath can accompany a heart attack. This symptom may occur without chest pain, particularly in women.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea, vomiting, and cold sweats may be a sign of a heart attack, particularly in combination with other symptoms.

Diagnosis of Heart Attacks

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)

An ECG is a primary tool for diagnosing heart attacks. It records the heart's electrical activity and can identify abnormalities, including ST-segment elevation indicative of a STEMI.

Blood Tests

Blood works measure vital cardiac biomarkers, such as troponin, circulated in the bloodstream during a heart attack. Elevated levels indicate heart muscle damage.

Imaging Tests

Imaging techniques like angiography, CT scans, or MRI may be employed to visualize the coronary arteries, assess blood flow, and identify blockages.

Treatment of Heart Attacks

All heart attacks need immediate medical intervention, regardless of the cause. The treatment mode usually depends on the type of coronary artery disease.

Generally, in most cases, the healthcare provider will give treatment before evaluating the type or severity of the attack, which includes:

  • Aspirin to reduce further blood clotting
  • Oxygen therapy
  • Nitroglycerin to promote blood flow

Other Efforts To Ease Chest Pain

Once the doctor has evaluated the type of heart attack, the treatment module is designed to stimulate blood flow.

When the coronary artery damage is less severe, then medication can help.

Clot busters, or thrombolytic medicine, are given to dissolve the blood clots.

Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, avert further clotting.

Blood pressure drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, aid in maintaining blood flow and regulating blood pressure.

Statins can lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and avert plaque formation.

Beta-blockers can reduce the heart’s workload and chest pain.

Revascularization Procedures:

Surgical procedures like angioplasty and stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery may be done to restore normal blood flow to the heart and prevent future events.

References:

1.Reimer KA, Jennings RB, Tatum AH. Pathobiology of acute myocardial ischemia: metabolic, functional and ultrastructural studies. Am J Cardiol. 1983 Jul 20;52(2):72A-81A. [PubMed]

2.Apple FS, Sandoval Y, Jaffe AS, Ordonez-Llanos J., IFCC Task Force on Clinical Applications of Cardiac Bio-Markers. Cardiac Troponin Assays: Guide to Understanding Analytical Characteristics and Their Impact on Clinical Care. Clin Chem. 2017 Jan;63(1):73-81. [PubMed]

Disclaimer:

The content provided here is for informational purposes only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concerns you may have regarding a medical condition. Reliance does not endorse or recommend any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or other information mentioned on the blog.

This article is reviewed by Dr. Rikki Deogade MBBS, Chief Medical officer, NUHM. Dr. Deogade can be consulted on Netmeds.com.