Heart Attack
(Myocardial infarction)
The heart constantly requires oxygen delivered through the bloodstream. A heart attack occurs when an artery supplying the heart becomes blocked. This blockage can severely reduce or completely stop the blood flow to the heart. The longer the interruption lasts, the greater the damage to the heart muscle. It is therefore necessary to restore blood flow in the artery as quickly as possible. A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires immediate transport to the nearest hospital.
Symptoms
Heart attack symptoms are not always sudden and intense. Some people don't even feel any chest discomfort. Symptoms can include any of the following:
- Pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw or abdomen
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea, vomiting or heartburn
- Sweating
- Light-headedness
What should I do?
In the presence of one or more of the above symptoms, here is what you should:
- Dial 911 immediately or ask someone to call for you. Do not try to get to the hospital on your own.
- Follow the instructions given to you by the 911 operator.
Causes and triggers
Fatty plaques can sometimes form inside the arteries and make blood circulation more difficult. This can trigger an angina attack in situations where the demand for oxygen is higher, such as after a large meal or during physical exertion. Angina is a sign that the heart is not getting enough oxygen. If it becomes more frequent, more intense, or occurs at rest, it may be a warning that a heart attack could happen.
A heart attack can have different causes, but the most common is the rupture of a fatty plaque, which releases a blood clot that blocks the artery. This causes a severe lack of oxygen, leading to the destruction of part of the heart muscle.
Certain factors can increase your risk of having a heart attack. There are some that cannot be changed, such as age, or medical and family history (genetics). But here are some risk factors that can be managed:
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Recreational drug use
- Obesity
- Poor dietary habits
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
Treatment
Paramedics can start treatment before the person even gets to the hospital. The goal will be to clear the blocked artery and restore normal blood flow as quickly as possible. It may be decided to simply use medication, or to do surgery directly on the artery.
A heart attack can lead to severe complications, such as heart failure or irregular heartbeat. That is why several medicines will be prescribed to help lower the risk of another heart attack.
After a heart attack, preventing another heart attack is your first priority. As a result, you will likely have to make some lifestyle changes. Do not hesitate to ask for help when you need it. There are many resources available to you. Ask about the programs available in your area.
For more information or for support:
Related services
- Hypertension monitoring (Follow-up meeting)
- Hypertension - Initial meeting for hypertension monitoring
- Cholesterol - Initial meeting for cholesterol monitoring
- Cholesterol monitoring (Follow-up meeting)
