Mild Heart Attack Treatment

Mild heart attack is often referred to as unstable angina. The risk factor involved with mild heart attack is much lower as compared to a typical heart attack. The main cause of mild heart attack is either reduction in the amount of oxygen supplied to the heart or blockage of the blood vessels. The main aim of mild heart attack treatment is to minimize the damage to the heart and reduce the risk of developing any kind of heart disease in the future.

Causes and Symptoms of Mild Heart Attack

The most common symptom of mild heart attack is left-sided chest pain, which may move over to central part of the chest, neck, upper back and jaw as well. Problem in breathing, excessive sweating, nausea, weakness and fatigue are some other signs that can be observed in patients. The main reason behind this condition could be intense physical and emotional exertion or heavy meals or viral infection caused due to common cold. The initial signs of mild heart attack are often described as angina pectoris or stable angina. However, the symptoms of stable angina do not last for more than ten to fifteen minutes and once the person is at rest, he or she is relieved of the pain. In case of unstable angina, the symptoms may show up even if a person is at rest and may last for more than fifteen minutes. The symptoms of unstable angina are visible quite frequently.

Diagnosis for Mild Heart Attack

Proper diagnosis is essential to ensure right treatment of mild heart attack. An electrocardiogram test done on the patient helps identify whether the patient has suffered a mild heart attack or a typical heart attack. Then, a blood test is conducted to detect the presence of specific types of proteins that are often released into the blood as a result of damage in the heart muscle due to a heart attack. Once it is confirmed that the patient has suffered a mild attack, then tests like ultrasound of the heart, nuclear imaging and angiogram or X-ray are carried out to find out the exact location and the seriousness of the blocks in the coronary arteries of the heart.

Treatment of Heart Attack

The medication most commonly used for the treatment of mild heart attack is nitroglycerin. It is usually available in the form of a spray that is to be sprayed in the mouth and is mostly advised as a medication when the pain persists for more than two minutes. The medicine nitroglycerin is responsible for the widening of the blood vessels that helps blood and oxygen to reach the heart without any obstruction. Beta blockers are also medications that are administered to the patient in the same manner. They are also effective in controlling the high blood pressure condition in the patient.

In order to prevent the formation of a blood clot, doctors often prescribe aspirin tablets as well. In addition to this, medicines for blood thinning are also administered. They help in reducing the sticky characteristics of the blood and thus, the possibility of clotting decreases to a large extent. Those patients who have high levels of cholesterol are given medicines that help lower the lipid content in the blood. Diabetic patients are advised to keep their blood sugar level under control. Those patients who are unable to recover from mild heart attack with medication are advised to undergo angioplasty or bypass surgery.

An integral part of mild heart attack treatment is bringing about certain changes in lifestyles of the patient. Those who have the habit of smoking cigarettes should stop smoking immediately. Regular physical exercise and proper diet is also essential to keep the body weight in check.