A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, happens when the blood supply rich in oxygen gets blocked from reaching your heart muscle. Without this crucial blood flow, your heart begins to suffer due to oxygen deprivation.
Heart attack symptoms can vary, but common ones include chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and pain in the arm or jaw. Annually, around 805,000 people in the U.S. experience heart attacks, and about 200,000 of these are not their first. Interestingly, about 1 in 5 heart attacks doesn’t show obvious signs and still causes heart damage.
Most heart attacks arise from coronary artery disease, which leads to plaque buildup in the arteries. However, other issues, like heart spasms or blood clots, can also trigger a heart attack. Many individuals survive heart attacks and go on to live fulfilling lives, with quick medical attention playing a crucial role in recovery.
While many associate heart attacks with dramatic chest clutching, there are three main types of heart attacks. STEMI is the most severe type, caused by a full or nearly full blockage of a coronary artery, which cuts off blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. STEMIs often result from a rupture of atherosclerotic plaque, made from cholesterol and fats, blocking the artery.
NSTEMIs, on the other hand, occur when the heart needs more oxygen than it gets, without the distinct electrical pattern of STEMI on an ECG. These heart attacks stem from a partial blockage or a blockage in a small artery branch and require immediate medical care. Seventy percent of annual heart attack cases are NSTEMIs.
Coronary spasms, another concern, temporarily constrict heart arteries, often affecting those who smoke or have high cholesterol or blood pressure. Triggers include stress, cold exposure, alcohol withdrawal, and certain medications.
Knowing heart attack symptoms and acting fast can boost survival odds. Typically, heart attacks involve chest discomfort, like pressure or pain. If these occur, seek emergency help. Symptoms can differ between men and women. Women might experience fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and jaw pain, in addition to chest discomfort.
Coronary artery disease, characterized by plaque buildup that narrows arteries, primarily causes heart attacks. As plaque breaks, it can form a clot that blocks blood flow, triggering a heart attack. However, heart attacks can occur without coronary artery disease, known as MINOCA, caused by different conditions.
Certain factors can increase heart attack risks, some genetic and others lifestyle-related. When admitted to a hospital for a heart attack, tests are conducted to confirm the condition, and emergency treatment is often administered to minimize heart damage.
During a heart attack, medications might be given to dissolve clots and improve heart function. Common treatments include various procedures to aid survival. Whether you’ve had a heart attack or are at risk, managing your heart health is key. Discuss with your healthcare provider about managing conditions that elevate risks like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
Physical activity is crucial after a heart attack. Being active can significantly reduce the chance of subsequent heart attacks. Research shows that individuals active for a year following a heart attack are less likely to have another compared to inactive individuals. Improving heart health involves lifestyle changes that also reduce heart attack risks.
Other medical conditions can increase heart attack risks by affecting blood vessels. Some of these include epilepsy, heart failure, stroke, alcoholism, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis. A heart attack can weaken the heart, potentially leading to other issues like stroke. Depending on the damage, one might return to normal routines within weeks.
Healthcare providers might suggest cardiac rehabilitation, an outpatient program to assist recovery, offering exercise training, stress reduction counseling, and heart-healthy dietary advice. Many people enjoy healthy lives post-heart attack by adhering to medical advice, staying active, and focusing on preventing future attacks through diet and medication.
