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RECOGNIZING HEART ATTACKS
WHAT IS A HEART ATTACK?
Heart Attack or 'myocardial infarction' is the most feared consequence of coronary artery disease because in some people, the first symptom may be sudden death.
A Heart Attack occurs due to a sudden and complete blockage in the blood vessels supplying the heart. It is an emergency that requires immediate medical attention.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
Because a Heart Attack is a medical emergency, it is important to know and promptly recognize the warning signs:
Chest pain or chests discomfort- usually severe, crushing chest pain that can travel to the left arm or back. It is not usually relieved by rest or medicines and can be accompanied by sweating and difficulty breathing.
Pain or discomfort in one or both the arms, jaw, neck, back or stomach
Sweating, Nausea, Lightheadedness
The most common symptoms in both men and women is chest pain or chest discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other symptoms like shortness of breath, jaw or back pain and nausea/vomiting.
Even if you're not sure it's a heart attack, if you have any of these symptoms, immediately go to the nearest hospital to get checked.
MI Warning
WHY IS IT DANGEROUS?
10% of heart attacks occur in people younger than 40 years
In some people the first symptom can be sudden death.
Complete blockage can result in permanent damage to the heart muscle. The longer the blockage remains, the greater is the damage. Therefore, it is essential to open up the blockage as soon as possible.
Depending on the type of heart attack, degree of blockage and time of reaching the hospital, the blockage may be opened using clot dissolving medicines, angioplasty with stent or bypass surgery.
Having a heart attack increases your risk of having another heart attack. 1 out of 5 people who have a heart attack, also have a 2nd heart attack.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
A Heart Attack is diagnosed using ECG and certain blood tests (Trop-I and CK-MB).
For the purpose of patient education, some images on this webpage have been adapted from the Patient Benefit Handbook provided by Hoechst Marion Roussel.
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