Heart Attack - Overview, symptoms and Causes

Overview

A heart attack occurs when there is a significant reduction or blockage in the blood flow to the heart. This blockage typically results from the accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the coronary arteries, known as plaques. The formation of these fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits is referred to as atherosclerosis.

In certain instances, a plaque may rupture, leading to the formation of a clot that obstructs the normal blood flow. Insufficient blood supply can cause damage or complete destruction of a portion of the heart muscle.



A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage in an artery responsible for supplying blood and oxygen to the heart. Over time, the accumulation of fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits forms plaques in the heart's arteries. If one of these plaques ruptures, it can lead to the formation of a blood clot, which in turn can obstruct arteries and trigger a heart attack. During a heart attack, inadequate blood flow results in the death of tissue in the heart muscle.

A heart attack is medically referred to as a myocardial infarction.

Prompt intervention is crucial in the event of a heart attack to prevent fatalities. If you suspect you might be experiencing a heart attack, it is imperative to call 911 or seek emergency medical assistance.


Heart attack symptoms can vary, ranging from mild to severe, and some individuals may experience no symptoms at all. Common signs of a heart attack include:

  • Chest pain, which may manifest as pressure, tightness, squeezing, aching, or pain.
  • Pain or discomfort that radiates to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or sometimes the upper belly.
  • Cold sweat.
  • Fatigue.
  • Heartburn or indigestion.
  • Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness.
  • Nausea.
  • Shortness of breath.

In women, symptoms may be atypical and include brief or sharp pain in the neck, arm, or back. Occasionally, the first sign of a heart attack in some individuals is sudden cardiac arrest.

While some heart attacks occur suddenly, many people experience warning signs and symptoms hours, days, or even weeks before the event. Persistent chest pain or pressure (angina) that doesn't alleviate with rest may serve as an early warning sign. Angina is caused by a temporary reduction in blood flow to the heart.


Causes

Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease, where one or more coronary arteries are blocked, often due to cholesterol-containing deposits called plaques. These plaques can narrow the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart. If a plaque ruptures, it can lead to the formation of a blood clot in the heart, causing a heart attack.

Heart attacks can be classified based on whether an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) shows specific changes (ST elevation) that necessitate emergency invasive treatment. The ECG results help categorize heart attacks:

  1. Acute complete blockage of a medium or large heart artery typically results in an ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
  2. Partial blockage often leads to a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), although some people with NSTEMI may still have a total blockage.

It's important to note that not all heart attacks are caused by blocked arteries. Other causes include:

  1. Coronary artery spasm: This involves severe squeezing of a blood vessel that's not necessarily blocked but may have cholesterol plaques or early vessel hardening due to risk factors like smoking. Other terms for this condition include Prinzmetal's angina, vasospastic angina, or variant angina.

  2. Certain infections: Viral infections, including COVID-19, may damage the heart muscle and contribute to heart attacks.

  3. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD): This life-threatening condition results from a tear inside a heart artery.

Understanding the diverse causes of heart attacks is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment

FOR CONSULTATION AND TREATMENT DO VISIT: SUNSHINE HOSPITAL NERUL

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