Heart Attack
The buildup of fat, cholesterol and hard plaque in your coronary arteries can cause particles in the blood to clot. If a blood clot completely blocks the artery, blood flow cannot get to that part of the heart muscle. That is when a heart attack occurs. The longer the artery stays blocked, the more permanent damage that occurs to your heart muscle cells.
Symptoms of a heart attack
A heart attack can present with a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain. Recognizing these warning signs early can be lifesaving. some symptoms commonly reported include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
If you believe that you are experiencing a heart attack, call 911 immediately.
Treatment for a heart attack
Heart attacks are treated by restoring proper blood flow to the affected heart muscle as soon as possible. Treatments may include medication, surgical procedures. Some ways that heart attacks are treated include:
- Oxygen therapy - This provides more oxygen to the affected heart muscle.
- Medications - Certain medications may be used to treat a heart attack. These may be used to decrease blood pressure and heart rate or prevent further blood clotting.
- Coronary angioplasty - This minimally invasive procedure is the most common emergency treatment for heart attacks. A small balloon is inflated at the blockage site to widen the artery, and a stent (a small mesh tube) is often placed to keep the artery open long-term.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) - A coronary artery bypass graft is a procedure performed to use a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body (such as the leg or chest) and uses it to create a new route for blood to bypass the blocked artery.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
After experiencing a heart attack, patients will need help recovering and getting back to their usual routine. It is important to see a cardiologist who can work with you on identifying a specialized recover plan. Your provider may recommend certain lifestyle or diet changes, medications, and cardiac rehabilitation.
Cardiac rehab provides guidance on recovery for patients who have suffered a heart attack. In addition to exercises to strengthen the heart, cardiac rehab also serves as a place to bond with other recovering from a recent heart event. Cardiac Rehab is available at East Alabama Medical Center and EAMC-Lanier Rural Emergency Hospital.
