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Heart attack- How to identify and Immediete measures to be taken

Heart attack is caused due to decreased blood supply to heart muscle.

It is due to plaque in the wall of the artery causing luminal narrowing.

Artery loses flexibility to dilate and increase blood flow when needed.

Risk factor for heart attack include

1. Diabetes mellitus
2. Smoking
3.  Obesity
4.  Genetic factors
5.  Diet.

SYMPTOMS

1. Patient present with Retrosternal chest pain radiating to left shoulder associated with sweating.
2. Some heart attacks are intense and sudden, some start slowly with mild pain and discomfort.
3. Other signs include dyspnoea, nausea,light headedness associated with chest discomfort.
4. Pain may also radiate to back,neck,jaw.

Investigations

ECG,chest X-ray ,Trop T,TropI,Treadmill test, coronary angiogram

Coronary angiogram is an investigation done when coronary arteries are narrowed.

1. Cardiac catheter is placed and guide wire is passed across the catheter and angiogram is done to look for stenosis or occlusion
2. In case of stenosis balloon is placed across the stenotic lesion and balloon is inflated.
3. Metal stent or drug eluting is placed to improve the blood flow.

Treatment includes Aspirin which helps in dissolving blood clot and maintain blood flow. It is used in treatment of heart attack and also post stenting and post CABG procedures.

Thrombolysis - Thrombolysis is a procedure in which blood clot is dissolved using thrombolytics.

Anti platelets are used to prevent new clot formation and prevent existing clots from getting larger.

PREVENTION OF HEART ATTACK

1.   Quit smoking
2.   Eat a healthy diet
3.   Regular exercise
4.   Reduce over weight
5. Control high blood pressure
6.   Control cholesterol levels
7.   Control sugar levels