What is a Heart Attack
A heart attack is when the flow of blood is blocked traveling to the heart. A heart attack is medically known as a Myocardial Infarction or an Acute Myocardial Infarction. During this block and interruption of blood flow, the heart cells and muscle is damaged and can die. Heart attacks often are caused by blocks from cholesterol or macrophages in the coronary artery. These blockages are often caused by risk factors that aid in the buildup of cholesterol including smoking, hypertension (high blood pressure), little or no exercise and high cholesterol levels. Additional factors include high intake of alcohol, stress, weight, family medical history and diabetes.
What Happens After a Heart Attack
Several days after a heart attack, the patient is placed under close observation. They are typically placed in a cardiac unit or the Intensive Care Unit. Heart monitory equipment is used to monitor the patient as they recuperate and rest. Visitation is limited and tests are conducted to determine if there is coronary disease at work. Such tests include use of catheters to check the route of blood in and to the heart and to check for any blockages. If the situation is dire enough, surgery will be suggested and procedures such as angioplasty or bypass surgery will be required. If the situation does not require surgery, the patient will be released and sent home. After a heart attack, a patient will be prescribed medication to deal with the heart attack and the factors causing it. The heart attack sufferer will most likely be prescribed medications such as Nitroglycerin or Thrombolytics. The limitations and recovery programs a heart attack patient should adhere to will also be discussed.
Heart Attack Treatment
Heart attack treatment involves medication such as Aspirin, Nitrobglycerin and Thrombolytics. The Aspiring keeps the blood thin to aid in its passing through clotted arteries and areas leading to the heart. Nitro improves blood flow and aids in relief from chest pain brought on by heart conditions. Thrombolytics work on dissolving the clot or clots that are interrupting the flow of blood through the arteries.
If medication is not sufficient, surgery is another option. Use of Angioplasty involves surgeons inserting a tube called a catheter into the blocked artery. The tube is equipped with a balloon that is inflated to open up the blockage, allowing blood flow to the heart. Bypass surgery is another procedure used to treat heart attacks by sewing arteries closed to reroute the flow of blood to the heart and around the clogged areas.
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