Cure and Treatment of a Heart Attack

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack or 'myocardial infarction', as it is technically known, takes place when blood is unable to reach any section of the heart. Interrupted supply of blood to any section of the heart can cause that muscle to become damaged from lack of oxygen and die.

Causes of a Heart Attack

Most heart attacks are a result of coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is an illness that develops over several years, with the gradual accumulation of a material called 'plaque' on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. What usually happens is that a section of plaque breaks open, and contributes towards the formation of a blood clot. A heart attack will usually occur when the clot becomes large and blocks most, or all of the blood flow through the artery. The parts of the heart muscle that do not receive blood begin to die.

Another cause of heart attack is microvascular disease, that occurs due to problems with the very small, microscopic blood vessels of the heart. Though a rare occurrence, if the coronary artery suffers a severe spasm that cuts off blood flow, it can lead to a heart attack. Possible causes of a coronary artery spasm are ingestion of drugs such as cocaine, extreme emotional stress or pain, exposure to extreme cold, and cigarette smoking.

Cure and Treatment of a Heart Attack

As a heart attack is a medical emergency, attempts are made to stabilize a patient while rushing him/her to the hospital. Emergency treatments include putting the patient on oxygen, and administering aspirin to prevent further clotting. Alternately, the patient may be given nitroglycerin, to reduce the workload on the heart and improve blood flow. Once the heart attack is confirmed through an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), coronary angiography or blood tests, the actual course of treatment commences.

Cure and treatment of a heart attack may be in the form of medicines. Out of the many medicines that may be given, most perform functions of blood thinning, dissolving or preventing blood clots, lowering blood pressure, relieving pain and anxiety, and correcting arrhythmias. Depending on the condition of the patient, he/she may need to undergo a procedure. One option is a non-surgical procedure called an angioplasty. This procedure entails a surgeon inserting a thin tube called a catheter that has a balloon tip. The tube is usually inserted through the artery in the leg, and passed till it reaches the blocked portion. Here the balloon tip is briefly inflated to open up a blocked artery. Sometimes a metal mesh stent maybe inserted to hold the artery open as well. These days most stents used are coated with slow-releasing medication to help keep the artery open.

The other surgical procedure that may be preformed is called coronary artery bypass surgery. During the surgery, arteries or veins are taken from other areas of your body, and used to direct the blood flow around the blocked region. This is a major surgery, and when possible, is done after giving the heart some time to recover from the heart attack.

When it come to heart disease, prevention is definitely better than cure. By eating healthy, exercising regularly, and finding a way to deal with stress, one can significantly lower their risk of having a heart attack. However, if you suffer the symptoms and suspect that you are having a heart attack, remember it is a medical emergency and immediately dial 911!