Doctor's Notes on Early Warning Symptoms and Signs of a Heart Attack
A heart attack (also termed a myocardial infarction) occurs when one or more blood vessels in the heart are partially or completely blocked. Signs and symptoms of a heart attack are
- chest pain that can radiate to the arm, back, and/or neck,
- shortness of breath,
- profuse sweating, and
- nausea.
Some people may develop other symptoms such as heart palpitations, a painful jaw, and pain in the shoulders and/or arms. Women with heart attacks may also experience signs and symptoms such as extreme weakness and/or fatigue. If you or someone near you is experiencing these signs and symptoms, call 911.
The cause of heart attacks is partial or complete blockage of one or more blood vessels in the heart (usually by a blood clot) that results in inadequate blood and/or oxygen delivery to the heart muscle that becomes damaged and then may die.
What Are the Early Treatments for a Heart Attack?
Call for help. Call 911 as a heart attack is a medical emergency. If the person is unconscious, begin CPR (with about 100-120 chest compressions per minute). If an AED (automated external defibrillator) is available, follow the instructions printed on the device. The goal in treatment of heart attacks is to restore blood flow to the heart. Medications and surgery can help do this, too:
-
Medications for heart attacks
- Aspirin
- Thrombolytics
- Antiplatelet agents
- Blood thinners
- Pain relief like morphine
- Beta blockers
- Blood pressure control and/or cholesterol control drugs
Heart attacks may be treated by surgery.
- Angioplasty and stenting
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
Your doctors can help you to determine which treatment plan is best for you.
Heart Disease : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz
QuestionIn the U.S., 1 in every 4 deaths is caused by heart disease.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Angina (Ischemic Chest Pain)
Angina is a term to describe chest pain that occurs when the heart is not getting enough blood. There are two types of angina, stable (the most common) and unstable. Stable angina generally lasts less than 5 minutes and is relieved by nitroglycerin tablets. Angina may be caused by heart disease, coronary artery spasm, or other causes. Risk factors for angina include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, family history, aging, and stimulant use. Treatment depends upon the cause of angina. -
Chest Pain on a Plane: Mid-Air Heart Attack
A harrowing airplane journey across the Atlantic demonstrates what doctors do in the event of a heart attack in mid-flight. -
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery (CABG)
Coronary artery bypass grafting or (CABG) surgery procedure, is to replace blocked arteries with healthy blood vessels. Reasons for coronary artery bypass grafting surgery include heart attacks, strokes, blood clots, and reduce or stop coronary artery symptoms, and to preserve damage to the heart muscle or muscle death. This can lead to disability or death. There are a variety of types of CABG surgeries. Complications may occur. The life expectancy for a person that has had CABG surgery depends on risk factors, the patient’s health, or any other preexisting conditions. -
Hardening of the Arteries (Atherosclerosis)
Atherosclerosis is the term referring to a hardening of the arteries caused by buildup of fat and cholesterol on the artery walls. The deposits, called plaque, can eventually block blood flow. Obesity, high cholesterol, age and a number of other factors put people at risk for atherosclerosis. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, surgery, and medication. -
Heart Attack
A heart attack is an interruption in blood flow to the heart muscle. Arterial plaque rupture is often the cause of a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, and nausea. Emergency heart catheterization and thrombolytic therapy may be used to treat a heart attack. -
Ischemia
Ischemia is a medical condition in which blood flow is stopped or reduced because the blood vessels become blocked, which causes the part of the body to not get adequate oxygen. Ischemia can affect any part of the body like the heart, brain, legs, and intestines. Ischemia of the brain and heart usually cause no symptoms or signs so is referred to as “silent ischemia,” much like a mini stroke. Signs and symptoms of ischemia depends on which part of the body is affected, for example, myocardial infarction or heart symptoms are shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or arm pain, fast heartbeat, and chest pain. Brain ischemia symptoms and signs include sudden headache, blindness, vomiting, fainting, and weakness in in arm, leg, or one side of the face. Leg ischemia symptom and signs may include sores on the feet, severe pain in the legs while resting, and thickened toenails. Treatment for ischemia depends on the type. Ischemia is a serious condition and can be fatal. -
Marfan Syndrome
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an inherited (genetic) disorder of the connective tissue of certain areas of the body, for example, the arms and legs. The protein that plays a role in Marfan syndrome is called fibrillin-1. Signs and symptoms of Marfan syndrome are skeletal, nervous system, skin, teeth, and lung problems. Treatment for Marfan syndrome is directed at managing any underling medical problems, for example, heart surgery and managing hypertension (high blood pressure). Most people with Marfan syndrome have a normal life expectancy, however; previously, some people have died from complications of the syndrome. There is no cure for Marfan syndrome. -
What Are the Signs of An Impending Heart Attack?
A heart attack, also called myocardial infarction (MI), happens when the blood flow from the coronary arteries to the heart is reduced or blocked completely. When this occurs, it starves the heart muscle of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in damage to the heart and potential death. -
What Is a Normal Ankle Brachial Index?
The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a procedure done to evaluate a patient for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the legs. The ankle-brachial index test is a noninvasive procedure that evaluates the blood flow through the arteries of the legs by checking blood pressure readings. An ABI of 1.0-1.40 is considered normal. -
What Is an Echocardiogram Used to Diagnose?
An echocardiogram is an imaging technique that uses ultrasound to look at the structure and function of the heart; it can detect heart failure, heart valve problems and other cardiac issues.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.