16/10/2023
Acute Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. The fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits are called plaques. The process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis.
Sometimes, a plaque can rupture and form a clot that blocks blood flow. A lack of blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.
Common heart attack symptoms include:
●Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching
●Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or sometimes the upper belly
●Cold sweat
●Fatigue
●Heartburn or indigestion
●Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness
●Nausea
●Shortness of breath
Get help right away if you think you're having a heart attack.
Take these steps:
●Call for emergency medical help. If you think you're having a heart attack, immediately call paramedics or your local emergency number. If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. Drive yourself only if there are no other options.
●Take nitroglycerin, if prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as instructed while awaiting emergency help.
●Take aspirin, if recommended. Taking aspirin during a heart attack may reduce heart damage by preventing blood clotting.
Aspirin can interact with other drugs. Don't take an aspirin unless your care provider or emergency medical personnel say to do so. Don't delay calling for help to take an aspirin. Call for emergency help first.
What to do if you see someone who might be having a heart attack
●If someone is unconscious and you think they're having a heart attack, first call paramedics or your local emergency number. Then check if the person is breathing and has a pulse. If the person isn't breathing or you don't find a pulse, only then should you begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
●If you're untrained in CPR, do hands-only CPR. That means push hard and fast on the person's chest — about 100 to 120 compressions a minute.
If you're trained in CPR and confident in your ability, start with 30 chest compressions before giving two rescue breaths.
Risk factors for heart disease
●Age: men older than 45. Women older than 55
●Tobacco usage
●High blood pressure
●High cholesterol or triglycerides
●Obesity
●Diabetes
●Metabolic syndrome
●Family history of heart attacks
●Poor physical exercise
●Unhealthy diet
●Stress
●Illegal drug usage
●History of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy
●Autoimmune disorders.
Get a check up if you are at risk or if you suspect having a Heart attack visit your nearest emergency unit ASAP.
