Heart Attack Definition Cause Symptoms Diagnosis Prevention

Definition:

A heart attack (also called myocardial infarction and acute coronary syndrome) is when part of the heart muscle is damaged or dies because it isn't receiving enough oxygen. Normally, the blood in coronary arteries carries oxygen to the heart muscle. Most heart attacks occur when a blockage slows down or stops the flow of blood through these arteries.Heart attacks are usually treatable when diagnosed quickly. However, without treatment, heart attacks can be fatal.

 Causes heart attack:

• Smoking.
• Diabetes.
• Age--Risk increases for men older than 45 years of age and for women older than 55 years of age (or after menopause). 
• High cholesterol level.
• High blood pressure.
• Family history of heart attack.
• Lack of exercise.
• Stress.
• Obesity.

 Symptoms of heart attack:

• Chest discomfort, which may feel like pain, pressure, tightness, heaviness or burning (also called angina).
• Pain or discomfort in the neck, shoulders, lower jaw, arms, upper back or abdomen.
• Shortness of breath that lasts more than a few seconds.
• Feeling lightheaded, dizzy or faint.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Unusual sweating.
• Overwhelming fatigue.
• Feeling anxious.
• Heart palpitations.

Diagnosis:

Electrocardiogram (ECG):

This test records the electrical activity of heart. It can help diagnose heart rhythm problems or any damage that the decrease in blood flow may have caused to  heart.
Blood tests:

 A simple blood test can detect these proteins. It will probably want to test blood several times during the first 24 hours to 48 hours after yours symptoms start.
Chest X-ray:

 This test allows to evaluate the size and shape of heart. It also shows if there is any congestion (fluid) in lungs.

Coronary angiography:

 This test is sometimes called cardiac catheterization. In this test, a long tube is inserted into a blood vessel. The tube is guided to the heart or arteries that carry blood to the heart. Then, a substance is injected into the tube. This substance is visible by X-ray. It allows doctor to see where the blockage that caused the decrease in blood flow to the heart is located.

Prevention:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet
• Improve cholesterol levels
• Exercise
• Control diabetes
• Control high blood pressure
• Control weight
• Manage stress
• Quit smoking