Recognizing a heart attack and seeking urgent medical attention have resulted in improved prognosis of this life-threatening condition. Knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack is very important but, unfortunately, many of us here in Anguilla do not know some of these signs and symptoms. Acting fast at the first sign of heart attack symptoms can save your life and limit damage to your heart.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack happens when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked and the heart cannot get oxygen. If blood flow is not restored quickly, the section of heart muscle begins to die.
Heart attacks most often occur as a result of coronary heart disease (CHD), also called coronary artery disease. CHD is a condition in which a waxy substance called plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart.
When plaque builds up in the arteries, the condition is called atherosclerosis. The buildup of plaque occurs over many years.
Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture (break open) inside of an artery. This causes a blood clot to form on the plaque’s surface. If the clot becomes large enough, it can mostly or completely block blood flow through a coronary artery.
If the blockage is not treated quickly, the portion of heart muscle fed by the artery begins to die. Healthy heart tissue is replaced with scar tissue. This heart damage may not be obvious, or it may cause severe or long-lasting problems.
Heart attack treatment works best when it is given just/right after symptoms occur. This is why you should seek urgent medical attention if you have signs and symptoms suggestive of a heart attack.
How do you know if you are having a heart attack?
If you are having symptoms seek medical attention and do not diagnose yourself. Since most heart attack deaths happen in the first hour after an attack, waiting several hours before calling for help could be deadly! If you have any of the following symptoms dial 911:
Chest discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and then comes back. It may feel like an uncomfortable level of pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
Upper body discomfort: Pain in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach could signal a problem.
Shortness of breath: This symptom may occur with or without chest discomfort.
Other signals: Pay attention to body symptoms you do not normally experience, such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, lightheadedness, overwhelming fatigue or a feeling of impending doom. (These signs are especially common in women.)
A heart attack can strike at any time, but it occurs most frequently in the early hours of the morning. Heart attacks are 40 percent more common between 6 a.m. and noon than at other times of the day.
Can I have a heart attack and not know it?
Some individuals might have a heart attack and do not have many signs and symptoms. This is especially so in individuals who are diabetics – and it is called a ‘silent heart attack.’ You may not experience any of the ‘expected’ heart attack symptoms, like chest pain. However, you may feel nauseous, short of breath or even faint.
What should I do if I think I am having a heart attack?
If you have the slightest indication that you are having a heart attack, you should call for an ambulance immediately and stay calm. If you have aspirin chew slowly on one 300mg tablet. Also, make sure your door is unlocked so emergency responders can get into your house.
How Is a heart attack diagnosed?
Your doctor will diagnose a heart attack based on your signs and symptoms, your medical and family histories and test results.
Treatment
The earlier treatment is started the better the prognosis. Depending on the condition or severity of the heart attack, you might be admitted to hospital and further treatment carried out.
How can a heart attack be prevented?
Lowering your risk factors for coronary heart disease can help you prevent a heart attack. Even if you already have coronary heart disease, you still can take steps to lower your risk for a heart attack. These steps involve following a heart-healthy lifestyle and getting ongoing medical care.
A heart-healthy lifestyle can help prevent a heart attack – and includes heart-healthy eating, being physically active, quitting smoking, managing stress and managing your weight.
Conclusion
Recognizing the symptoms and signs of a heart attack, and seeking urgent medical attention, can prevent death in many cases. If you are not sure what to do if you have suggestive symptoms of a heart attack seek urgent medical attention. Symptoms might vary from one individual to another, and in women the symptoms are not the usual ones associated with a heart attack. Delayed treatment can result in serious complications including death.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented.
Dr Brett Hodge MB BS DGO MRCOG, is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor who has over thirty-two years in clinical practice. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
