Heart Attack:
Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack is a serious emergency condition that happens when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of the heart muscle is blocked. Without oxygen, the heart muscle begins to die. If not attended to immediately, a heart attack can lead to permanent heart damage or even death.
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Other medical terms for a heart attack include acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and coronary thrombosis.
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How does a Heart Attack feel like?
Heart attack symptoms varies from person to person. Some common symptoms include:
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Chest Discomfort: Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center or left side of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back. It can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
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Upper Body Pain: Pain or discomfort can radiate to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
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Shortness of Breath: This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
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Other Symptoms: These can include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, and fatigue.
​​What causes a Heart Attack?
Blockage in the heart arteries is typically due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances (coronary artery diease, atherosclerosis), which form a plaque in the coronary arteries. If the plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form, obstructing blood flow.
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Other less common causes include spontaneous coronary artery dissection, coronary vasospasm, and other medical conditions that cause supply-demand imbalances of blood flow to the heart muscle.
How is a Heart Attack diagnosed?
If you have chest pain that is new, severe, or persistant, call 995 for an ambulance immediately. You will be taken to the nearest hospital. The faster you get to a hospital, the sooner you can receive treatment, and the better the outcome.
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Your doctor will typically do the following:​
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Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
The ECG pattern indicates the type of heart attack, and the presence of any dangerous heart rhythm (arrhythmia) caused by the heart attack. -
Blood Tests
Abnormal levels of heart enzymes, such as troponin, indicate heart muscle damage. -
Coronary Angiography
A minimally invasive procedure is performed whereby a small tube is passed from the wrist/groin to the heart vessels. Dye and X-rays are used to visualize the location and severity of the blockages.
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How is a Heart Attack treated?
Immediate treatment focuses on restoring blood flow to the heart quickly.
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A coronary angioplasty, or PCI, is usually done in the same sitting as the coronary angiogram. A small balloon is passed through the tube into the coronary artery to the point of blockage. It is then inflated to open up the narrowing. A stent is then placed to keep the vessel open.
On occasions when blockages are multiple or extensive, Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG) may be required. In these cases, a healthy artery or vein from another part of the body is used to bypass the blocked coronary artery. This is performed as a separate procedure by the cardiothoracic surgeons.
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Your doctor will advise you on the best treatment based on your condition.
Common Medications used include:​
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Antiplatelet Agents: Prevent new clots from forming.
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Cholesterol Medications: Reduce cholesterol levels and retards progression of cholesterol accumulation in the blood vessels.​
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Nitroglycerin: Improves blood flow to the heart.
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Beta Blockers and ACE Inhibitors: Help the heart work more efficiently.
How long does it take to recover from Heart Attack?
If there is no complication from your heart attack, you can usually be discharged from the hospital after 3-5 days. Follow-up appointments with a cardiologist are essential to monitor recovery and adjust medications.
Patients are advised to rest and gradually resume daily activities under medical supervision. Many patients are enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program, which includes supervised exercise, education about heart-healthy living, and counseling to manage stress and lifestyle changes.
​Many patients can return to normal activities, including work, within 2 to 3 months, depending on the severity of the heart attack and the nature of their job. Strenuous activities may require more time and a doctor's approval.​
Sustaining heart-healthy lifestyle changes is essential to reduce the risk of future heart attacks. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, weight management, and adhering to prescribed medications.
