Massive Heart Attack

It's often that we hear that so and so died of a massive heart attack. But not many of us will know what that means exactly, what are the changes that take place in the body and what causes an attack to come about? Also, how is a massive heart attack different from a heart attack? In the article that follows, we will look through the topic of what this condition is, the symptoms of the same and how to go about treating it.

A massive heart attack is referred to by several other names like acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and myocardial infarction (MI). A heart attack is brought on due to the less supply of blood to the heart cells and thereby automatically a less supply of oxygen. The lack of oxygen causes the tissues and cells to die and thereby leads to the heart stopping the pumping of blood, causing what is technically known as an unstable angina. Why is there less supply of blood and oxygen? This is because there is a blockage in the arteries, which thereby restricts the blood flow. Depending on the kind of blockage in the arteries, the type of heart attack will be determined. The more the blockage, the more the chances of a massive heart attack, while the lesser the blockage, the chances of a normal heart attack are more.

Why does a block in the arteries occur? This can happen due to several reasons. For one, there can be blood clots that are formed which then not only damage the heart but also stick to the arteries, thus narrowing them and leading to a heart attack. Another major reason is due to a disease called atherosclerosis which leads to the formation of plaque in the arteries that hardens and thereby narrows and blocks the blood flow to the arteries. Other than these, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney diseases, diabetes, excessive consumption of alcohol, being overweight, smoking, an unbalanced diet that includes a lot of fats and carbs, stress and a sedentary lifestyle are some factors that can lead to putting pressure on the heart and thus cause the attack.

Symptoms

A heart attack of this kind will lead to certain symptoms in a person. What exactly are they? Let us find out in this section.

• Chest pain that is felt in the form of tightness, burning, pressure in the jaw, back, neck and the arms is one of the most prominent of all heart attack warning signs
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety and restlessness
• Palpitations
• Low blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeats
• Excessive sweating that is usually manifested in the form of cold sweating
• Dizziness and fainting spells
• Pain in shoulder and shoulder blades
• Severe back pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue and weakened immunity
• The skin of hands and feet turns cold

The reason why it is considered a very dangerous condition is because it can turn to be fatal The survival rate after experiencing one was not usually very high. However, this has changed in the recent times due to awareness in people. Understanding the symptoms and then using proper forms of treatment thus becomes essential.

Treatment

The patient needs to be rushed to the hospital so that the right kind of medication and techniques can be used. For immediate patient care, administering painkillers, CPR (administering jerks on the chest) or rescue breaths becomes essential. A patient is usually treated with the help of AED (automatic external defibrillator) in which shocks are administered to the heart so that it starts on its normal rhythm again. Other than that, a patient might also be put through a surgery to correct the blocks in the arteries and the like. Following a stress-free life that focuses on physical activity and a balanced diet is something that becomes imperative after having suffered one.

In this article we learned what a massive heart attack is and the symptoms and treatment for the same. Here's hoping that you've learned something more about this condition and can therefore be prepared for the same.