Heart Attack

Medical Review

Written by: Dr. Von Chiao Wen Doctor of Medicine (MD), N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Reviewed by: Dr. Lee Chin Meng Doctor of Medicine (MD), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Overview of Heart Attack

A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is obstructed due to the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries or a blood clot. When blood supply is cut off, heart muscles do not receive enough oxygen and begin to die.

Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attack

Chest pain that happens following physical activities and are relieved with rest, Chest pain radiating to the jaw, back and arms, Shortness of breath, Sweating, Dizziness, Fatigue, Irregular heartbeat

Common Causes of Heart Attack

Atherosclerosis, Coronary artery disease, Use of illicit drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, and methamphetamines, Hypoxia due to loss of normal lung function or carbon monoxide poisoning

Risk Factors of Heart Attack

Increasing age, High blood pressure, Diabetes, High cholesterol, Being overweight or obese, High-fat diet, Lack of exercise, Family history of heart attack, Personal history of preeclampsia or autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke, Use of illicit drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, and methamphetamines

Investigation Techniques for Heart Attack

Medical history, Physical examination, The blood test for cardiac enzymes (troponin T and troponin I), Electrocardiogram (ECG), Chest x-ray, Echocardiogram, Coronary angiogram, Cardiac computerised tomography (CT), Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Exercise stress test

Treatment and Prevention of Heart Attack

Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and stop smoking, Oral medications such as thrombolytics, aspirin, antiplatelet agents, nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, statins, pain relievers, Percutaneous coronary intervention, Coronary artery bypass surgery

Available Heart Attack Medicines

No medicines currently available for this condition.

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