About-Cardio
-
We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Cardiac Attack (Heart Attack)
Introduction
A cardiac attack , commonly known as a heart attack or myocardial infarction (MI) , occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. This blockage deprives the heart muscle of oxygen, potentially causing permanent damage.
Causes of a Heart Attack
A heart attack is usually caused by:
- Atherosclerosis – A buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances (plaques) in the coronary arteries.
- Blood Clots – When a plaque ruptures, it can cause a clot that blocks blood flow.
- Coronary Artery Spasm – A sudden tightening of the artery, though less common.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Recognizing the symptoms early can save lives. Symptoms include:
- Chest Pain or Discomfort – A feeling of pressure, squeezing, or fullness.
- Radiating Pain – Pain in the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back.
- Shortness of Breath – Difficulty breathing even at rest.
- Cold Sweat, Nausea, or Dizziness – Especially in women, symptoms may be less typical.
Risk Factors for a Heart Attack
Several conditions and lifestyle factors increase the risk, including:
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of heart disease
Emergency Response – What to Do?
If someone is experiencing a suspected heart attack:
- Call Emergency Services (911/112) Immediately .
- Keep the Person Calm and Seated .
- Give Aspirin (If Not Allergic) – Helps prevent further clotting.
- Perform CPR if Necessary – If the person collapses and has no pulse, start chest compressions.
Treatment for Heart Attack
Depending on severity, treatment may include:
- Medications: Aspirin, blood thinners, beta-blockers, and cholesterol-lowering drugs.
- Angioplasty and Stents: A procedure to open blocked arteries.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): Surgery to restore blood flow.
Preventing a Heart Attack
- Healthy Diet: Low in saturated fats, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
- Quit Smoking: Tobacco significantly increases the risk.
- Manage Stress: Meditation and relaxation techniques.
- Control Medical Conditions: Manage blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
A heart attack is a life-threatening condition, but with prompt medical attention and lifestyle changes, individuals can recover and prevent future incidents. Recognizing symptoms early and acting quickly is crucial.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines for Heart Attack Treatment
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/treatment-of-a-heart-attack
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/warning-signs-of-a-heart-attack
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Acute Myocardial Infarction
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/38/3720/7243210
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28886621/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/2/119/4095042
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622654/
-
If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Get second opinion
Here you can learn everything that even your doctor may not know about cardiology (if he does not speak English and he does not read 117 leading medical journals on cardiology every month).
The most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials
Our website contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date collection of free cardiology materials in your country.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.