Figure 1. Man experiencing severe crushing chest pain during a heart attack.
Table of Contents
Overview
Since the heart must work very hard throughout the lifetime of a person, it has to be well connected with blood vessels. The coronary arteries supply blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your heart muscle.
A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked due to a build-up of cholesterol and fats, which form a plaque in the coronary arteries. The plaque can rupture causing a blood clot. This stops blood flow and causes damage or destruction to a part of the heart muscle.
A heart attack is a serious medical emergency. It is crucial to receive emergency medical help from an ambulance Paramedic as quickly as possible. The sooner this happens, the better the chances of recovery.
In the event of excruciating chest pain that possibly travels down the arms, stomach pain, shortness of breath, sweating, feeling sick, faint, or dizzy, do not hesitate, call 999 for an ambulance.
According to the Resuscitation Council (UK), quick action is crucial to help someone who has had a heart attack, ie a lack of heartbeat, and breathing abnormally or not at all. After checking the surrounding area for danger, the following procedure is recommended:
- Shout for help and shake the affected person gently.
- Look and listen for signs of normal breathing, ie the rising and falling of their chest.
- Call 999 for the ambulance, put the phone on loudspeaker and tell the operator that you are with someone who is not breathing.
- Fetch a defibrillator if you can. You may be directed by the operator to the nearest defibrillator – ask someone else to fetch it for you if they are able. Do not leave the patient alone, if you’re on your own.
- Start chest compressions: Interlock your fingers, place your hands in the centre of the chest, then push down hard and then release twice per second (roughly to the tempo of the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive”), and do not stop. The ambulance operator will guide you.
- If you have a defibrillator, switch it on and follow the instructions which are written on the box. The machine will have inbuilt safeguards, so you cannot deliver a shock to someone who may not need treatment.
- Continue Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) until the defibrillator tells you to pause, a paramedic arrives and tells you what to do, or the person shows signs of life.
By developing the skills and confidence to follow these simple steps, you could save a life in an emergency.
To prevent a heart attack, change to a healthy diet which is low in table (sodium) salt, low in fat, high in fruits and vegetables (for fibre), moderate alcohol intake, stop smoking, exercise regularly (over 30minutes daily), maintain a healthy body weight, and manage stress.
In England, there are over 80,000 hospital admissions every year for heart attacks, equivalent to about 230 per day or 1 every 6 minutes. At least 70% of the patients survive, whilst 30% die. Approximately 1.1Million people have survived after a heart attack.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a heart attack can vary between individuals but could include excruciating chest pain that possibly travels down the arms, stomach pain, shortness of breath, sweating, feeling anxious, feeling sick, faint, or dizzy.
Causes
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a common heart disease caused by plaque build-up in the walls of the main arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle. The coronary arteries supply blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your heart muscle.
Too much plaque build-up due to cholesterol and fats cause a narrowing and inflammation of the arteries over time. This could partially or totally block the blood flow not only to the heart but also throughout your body. Over time, CAD can also weaken your heart muscle, leading to heart failure.
Eventually, the reduced blood flow may cause chest pain and shortness of breath. A complete blockage can cause a heart attack.
Figure 2. Man going through a heart attack feels extreme chest pain.
The risk factors for heart attack include age (men over 45years: women over 55years), high blood pressure, smoking, high fat intake, diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise/sedentary lifestyle, family history, and stress.
Diagnosis & Treatment
The Doctor will measure the heart rhythms, have some other tests carried out and treat accordingly. Any prescribed medications should be taken regularly, as directed.
To prevent a heart attack, change to a healthy diet which is low in table (sodium) salt and low in fat, high in fruits and vegetables (for fibre), moderate alcohol intake, stop smoking, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy body weight, and manage stress.
Complications
Complications from the damaged heart tissue can include abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure and sudden heart arrest.
Patients with Heart Attack and other cardiovascular issues may be vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. For further details see section on COVID-19 and vaccination.
Heart Attack
Written by BK Date created/updated 09.07.22
Reviewed by PJ Date Reviewed 16.07.22
