A heart attack, or myocardial infarction (MI), is an urgent medical crisis that happens when the heart’s blood supply is abruptly cut off, typically by a blood clot.
If you suspect someone is experiencing a heart attack, it’s crucial to call emergency services (999) immediately.
This interruption in blood flow can severely damage the heart muscle and pose a life-threatening risk.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack:
Common signs of a heart attack include:
- Chest Pain: Often described as a sensation of pressure, tightness, heaviness, or squeezing in the chest.
- Radiating Pain: Discomfort can extend to other areas, frequently the left arm, but also the jaw, neck, back, or abdomen.
- Other Symptoms: Lightheadedness, dizziness, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, intense anxiety (which might feel like a panic attack), coughing, or wheezing.
It’s important to note that while chest pain is the most frequent symptom, some individuals might experience only mild discomfort resembling indigestion. Symptoms can differ greatly, with some people having no chest pain at all, only shortness of breath, nausea, or pain in the back or jaw.
Treatment for Heart Attacks:
While waiting for emergency medical help, if the person has no aspirin allergies, it’s advisable for them to chew and swallow a 300mg aspirin tablet. Aspirin can help thin the blood and potentially improve blood flow to the heart.
Upon arrival at the hospital, treatment strategies vary based on the heart attack’s type and severity, but generally involve:
- Medications: Administered to dissolve blood clots.
- Surgery: Procedures aimed at restoring blood flow to the heart.
Causes of Heart Attacks:
The primary cause of heart attacks is coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD develops when the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying blood to the heart, become narrowed due to the buildup of fatty deposits called plaques. If one of these plaques ruptures, a blood clot can form, obstructing blood flow to the heart and leading to a heart attack.
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