​Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Recognising Symptoms and Seeking Urgent Care
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction (MI), is a critical medical situation that requires immediate action. It occurs when the blood supply to the heart muscle is abruptly cut off, most often due underlying atherosclerosis. Recognising the symptoms and seeking urgent medical care is vital for increasing the chances of survival and minimising heart damage.
Dr. De Silva, an expert cardiologist in London, offers specialised treatment and care for individuals who have suffered a heart attack.
Causes of a Heart Attack
​The most common cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease (link to CAD page) develops when plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries, narrowing them and reducing blood flow to the heart. A heart attack occurs when an atherosclerotic plaque ruptures, and a blood clot forms, completely blocking the artery.
Risk Factors for Heart Attacks
Several factors can increase your risk of having a heart attack:
​
-
Smoking
-
High cholesterol
-
High blood pressure
-
Diabetes
-
Obesity
-
Family history of heart disease
-
Lack of physical activity
-
Unhealthy diet
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
The symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience intense chest pain, while others may have milder symptoms that resemble indigestion. Common heart attack symptoms include:
​
-
Chest pain: This may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or a heavy weight on the chest.
-
Pain radiating to other areas: The pain may spread to the arms (especially the left arm), jaw, neck, back, or abdomen.
-
Lightheadedness or dizziness
-
Sweating
-
Shortness of breath
-
Nausea or vomiting
-
Overwhelming anxiety (similar to a panic attack)
Act Fast: Call for Emergency Help
​If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, call 999 immediately and request an ambulance. The quicker medical intervention is received, the better the outcome.
While waiting for the ambulance
-
Help the person sit or lie down in a comfortable position.​
-
If they are conscious and not allergic to aspirin, they can chew and swallow a 300mg aspirin tablet. Aspirin helps thin the blood and can improve blood flow to the heart.
Treatment for Heart Attacks
Treatment for a heart attack typically occurs in a hospital setting and depends on the severity of the attack. The mainstays of treatments include:
​
-
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (Link to PCI page): This procedure, also known as coronary angioplasty, involves inserting a catheter with a balloon into the blocked artery to widen it and restore blood flow. A stent (a small metal scaffold) is often placed to keep the artery open.
​
-
Medications to dissolve blood clots: These medications, called thrombolytics or fibrinolytics, help break down the blood clot blocking the coronary artery
​
-
Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery: In some cases, bypass surgery may be necessary to create a new pathway for blood to flow around the blockage.
Recovery after a Heart Attack
Recovery from a heart attack takes time and varies depending on the extent of damage to the heart muscle. Most people can return to their normal activities and work after a heart attack, but it is essential to follow medical advice and participate in cardiac rehabilitation.
You can take steps to reduce your risk of having a heart attack by:
​
-
Quitting smoking
-
Maintaining a healthy weight
-
Eating a balanced diet
-
Exercising regularly
-
Managing stress
-
Controlling blood pressure and cholesterol