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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 Heart Stroke (Myocardial Infarction)
Introduction
The term "heart stroke" is not commonly used in medical practice. However, the closest medical condition resembling this term is a myocardial infarction (heart attack) . A myocardial infarction occurs when blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or completely blocked, typically due to a clot in a coronary artery.
Causes of Myocardial Infarction
The key cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease (CAD) , which develops due to: - Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries) - Blood clots that can form over a ruptured plaque - Coronary artery spasm , which can temporarily restrict blood supply to the heart
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Symptoms vary, but commonly include: - Chest pain or discomfort (tightness, pressure, or burning sensation) - Pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back - Shortness of breath - Cold sweats, nausea, or dizziness - Fatigue, especially in women
Risk Factors
The chances of experiencing a heart attack increase due to: - High blood pressure - High cholesterol levels - Diabetes - Smoking - Obesity and sedentary lifestyle - Excessive alcohol consumption
First Aid for Heart Attack
If someone is suspected of having a heart attack: 1. Call emergency services immediately . 2. Make the patient sit or lie down comfortably . 3. Give them aspirin (if not allergic) to reduce clotting. 4. Administer nitroglycerin (if prescribed for heart patients). 5. Begin CPR if the person is unconscious and unresponsive.
Treatment Options
- Medications: Aspirin, beta-blockers, statins, anticoagulants.
- Procedures: Coronary angioplasty (stent placement), bypass surgery.
- Lifestyle modification: A healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking.
Prevention of Myocardial Infarction
- Maintaining a balanced diet (low in saturated fats and sugar)
- Regular physical activity
- Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes in check
- Avoiding tobacco smoke and excessive alcohol consumption
Conclusion
A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires immediate response. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking urgent care can save lives. Prevention is key through healthy lifestyle choices and management of risk factors.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Myocardial Infarction
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/about-heart-attacks
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/01.cir.94.9.2341
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15289388/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Acute Coronary Syndromes
- 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/37622654/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/14/1289/5898842
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32860058/
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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:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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.