Heart Attack (Cardiac Myoinfarction)

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for a long enough time that part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies. This blockage is often caused by plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, which can rupture and form a clot that impedes blood flow.

Heart attacks are typically caused by coronary artery disease (CAD), where plaque builds up in the coronary arteries. Key factors that contribute to this condition include:

• Atherosclerosis:
  A process in which plaque builds up in the arteries, causing them to harden and narrow, thereby reducing blood flow. Key risk factors for atherosclerosis include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes.
• Blood Clots:
  Blood clots can form when plaque in the arteries ruptures, leading to a clot that can completely block the artery. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart.
• Coronary Artery Spasm:
  A temporary, severe spasm of a coronary artery that can briefly reduce or cut off blood flow. Triggers for this condition include tobacco use, illicit drugs like cocaine, and extreme stress.

Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack is crucial for prompt treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Chest Pain or Discomfort:
  A feeling of pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing sensation in the centre or left side of the chest that may last for more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
• Upper Body Discomfort:
  Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
• Shortness of Breath:
  It may occur with or without chest discomfort while resting or during physical activity.
• Other Symptoms:
  One may experience unexplained sweating or cold sweat. One may also feel sick to the stomach or vomiting. Some may experience dizziness or fainting.

If unable to have early intervention, a heart attack could damage the tissues of the heart and lead to very serious complications such as:

• Weakening of heart muscles
• Abnormal heart rhythm (Arrhythmia)
• Heart failure
• Myocardial rupture
• Cardiac arrest
• Death

Immediate medical attention and prompt treatment are crucial to minimise heart damage and save lives.

• Coronary Angioplasty (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention):
  A Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is usually performed to quickly restore blood flow to the affected part of the heart, minimising heart muscle damage and improving patient outcomes. It involves quickly opening blocked coronary arteries using a catheter-based approach, often with the placement of a stent. (Read more)
• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG):
  Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a surgical procedure to improve blood flow to the heart by bypassing blocked coronary arteries. A surgeon uses a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to create a new pathway around the blockage, restoring oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart muscle. CABG is typically used for severe coronary artery disease to relieve chest pain, improve heart function, and reduce heart attack risk.
• Medications:
  Medications such as Aspirin may be administered to reduce blood clotting and improve heart flow.