Heart Attack

Overview

A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is obstructed due to the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries or a blood clot. When blood supply is cut off, heart muscles do not receive enough oxygen and begin to die.

Signs and Symptoms

Chest pain that happens following physical activities and are relieved with rest, Chest pain radiating to the jaw, back and arms, Shortness of breath, Sweating, Dizziness, Fatigue, Irregular heartbeat

Common Causes

Atherosclerosis, Coronary artery disease, Use of illicit drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, and methamphetamines, Hypoxia due to loss of normal lung function or carbon monoxide poisoning

Risk Factors

Increasing age, High blood pressure, Diabetes, High cholesterol, Being overweight or obese, High-fat diet, Lack of exercise, Family history of heart attack, Personal history of preeclampsia or autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, Use of illicit drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, and methamphetamines

Investigation Techniques

Medical history, Physical examination, The blood test for cardiac enzymes (troponin T and troponin I), Electrocardiogram (ECG), Chest x-ray, Echocardiogram, Coronary angiogram, Cardiac computerised tomography (CT), Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Exercise stress test

Treatment and Prevention

Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and stop smoking, Oral medications such as thrombolytics, aspirin, antiplatelet agents, nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, statins, pain relievers, Percutaneous coronary intervention, Coronary artery bypass surgery

Psychological Issues

Stress