Your Guide to Heart Attack and Better Heart Health

A myocardial infarction, most commonly known as a heart attack, happens when the heart muscle's oxygen supply is drastically diminished or entirely blocked. This happens due to a blockage in one or more coronary arteries, typically caused by the accumulation of fat, cholesterol, & other substances that form a plaque. 

When this plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and block the blood flow. The lack of oxygenated blood can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle, making the event life-threatening and time-sensitive.

Heart attacks are not sudden in most cases—they often follow warning signs that are ignored or misunderstood. At the same time, they can occur without any prior symptoms, especially in specific populations. This article will outline the key aspects of a heart attack—what it is, how it presents, why it occurs, and how it is treated and prevented. 

Let’s explore the topic.

What Happens When Blood Stops Flowing

A heart attack begins when one of the coronary arteries—vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle—suddenly becomes blocked. This blockage is typically caused by a rupture in a fatty plaque that has accumulated along the artery wall over time. 

When the plaque breaks, the body responds by treating it as an injury, forming a clot at the site. If the clot is large enough, it completely cuts off the flow of blood. Deprived of oxygen, the affected part of the heart muscle begins to suffer damage within minutes.

If blood flow isn’t restored quickly, that section of the muscle starts to die. The longer the delay in treatment, the more extensive the damage. This is why rapid medical intervention is critical. In some cases, abnormal heart rhythms—such as ventricular fibrillation—can occur during a heart attack, disrupting the heart’s ability to pump and potentially leading to sudden cardiac arrest.

How a Heart Attack Feels

A heart attack can produce a range of sensations, which vary from person to person. The most common experience is a feeling of pressure, tightness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest. This discomfort can last more than a few minutes or may come and go. 

The pain may radiate beyond the chest to areas such as the arms—especially the left arm—back, neck, jaw, or even the upper abdomen. Other symptoms include shortness of breath, cold sweat, nausea, or lightheadedness. Some people, particularly women, may notice less typical symptoms, such as unusual fatigue or sudden dizziness. 

Not every heart attack begins with severe chest pain. Some start with mild discomfort that is easy to dismiss. The symptoms can be subtle or sometimes mistaken for other problems, so it’s essential not to ignore them.

Key Symptoms of a Heart Attack

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain or discomfort in one or both arms
• Pain in the back, neck, jaw, or upper stomach
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or vomiting
• Cold sweat
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Unusual fatigue

Primary Causes of a Heart Attack

• Coronary artery blockage (atherosclerosis): Gradual buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) on the inner walls of coronary arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow.
• Plaque rupture and blood clot: When a plaque ruptures, the body forms a blood clot at the site, which can suddenly block the artery and cut off blood supply to part of the heart muscle.
• Coronary artery spasm: A temporary, severe tightening or spasm in a coronary artery can reduce or stop blood flow, sometimes occurring in arteries that don’t have significant plaque buildup.
• Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD): A rare condition where the wall of a coronary artery tears, creating a blockage or reducing blood flow to the heart.
• Other rare causes: Certain medical conditions or trauma, such as blood vessel inflammation (vasculitis), drug misuse (especially stimulants like cocaine), or severe infections, can also limit blood flow and cause a heart attack.

Key Heart Attack Risk Factors

• Age: The risk rises for men after 45 and for women after 55.
• Family history: Having close relatives with heart disease increases personal risk.
• High blood pressure: Long-term elevated blood pressure damages arteries.
• High cholesterol: Raised LDL (“bad”) cholesterol promotes the buildup of plaque.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels contribute to arterial damage.
• Physical inactivity: A lack of exercise is linked to multiple cardiovascular risks.
• Smoking: Tobacco use harms blood vessels and accelerates atherosclerosis.
• Obesity: Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels.
• Unhealthy diet: Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol increase risk.
• Chronic stress: Prolonged stress may impact heart health over time.
• Excessive alcohol use: Heavy drinking can raise blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Previous heart attack or heart disease: Past events increase the likelihood of a future recurrence.

How Doctors Diagnose a Heart Attack

Diagnosing a heart attack involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and a series of urgent medical tests. Doctors begin by asking about symptoms and risk factors, then proceed to an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which checks the heart’s electrical activity for patterns that signal a potential heart attack. 

Blood tests follow, most importantly for cardiac enzymes like troponin, which are released when the heart muscle is damaged. Additional tests may include a chest X-ray to rule out other causes of chest pain and an echocardiogram to assess the heart's pumping function and identify areas of reduced movement. 

In some cases, doctors may use coronary angiography—a procedure that uses dye and X-rays to reveal blockages in the arteries. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is critical to guide immediate treatment and limit heart damage.

How a Heart Attack Is Treated

• Emergency assessment and monitoring: Upon arrival, medical staff assess vital signs, review symptoms, and initiate continuous monitoring to track heart rhythm and blood pressure throughout the care process.
• Oxygen support: Oxygen may be administered if blood oxygen levels are low or the patient is experiencing difficulty breathing to support the heart and other vital organs.
• Clot-busting and blood-thinning therapies: Doctors administer medications that help break up or prevent new blood clots, working to restore blood flow to the heart muscle as quickly as possible.
• Reducing heart strain: Certain treatments help lower the heart’s workload, easing strain and minimizing ongoing damage while the artery is being reopened.
• Managing pain and discomfort: Interventions may include medication or other therapies to relieve chest pain and reduce anxiety during a heart attack.
• Percutaneous coronary intervention (angioplasty): A minimally invasive procedure where a thin tube is threaded through a blood vessel to the blocked artery. A small balloon is inflated to open the artery, and a stent is often placed to keep it open.
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (bypass surgery): For patients with multiple or complex blockages, surgeons create a new pathway for blood to reach the heart muscle using a blood vessel taken from another part of the body.
• Treatment of abnormal heart rhythms: If dangerous arrhythmias develop, immediate measures such as electrical cardioversion or defibrillation are used to restore a safe heart rhythm.
• Ongoing monitoring for complications: Throughout hospitalization, patients are closely watched for further heart damage, heart failure, or other complications.
• Cardiac rehabilitation and aftercare: Once patients are stable, they receive supervised exercise, education on heart-healthy habits, and counseling to reduce risk factors and promote long-term recovery.

Possible Complications After a Heart Attack

• Heart failure: The damaged heart muscle may weaken, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias): A heart attack can disrupt the heart’s electrical system, leading to irregular, slow, or dangerously fast heartbeats.
• Cardiac arrest: Sudden loss of heart function, often due to a severe arrhythmia, can occur during or after a heart attack.
• Heart valve problems: Damage from a heart attack can impair the function of heart valves, leading to leakage.
• Cardiogenic shock: The heart is too weak to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs, leading to organ failure if left untreated.
• Pericarditis: Inflammation of the lining around the heart, sometimes developing days or weeks after the heart attack.
• Ventricular aneurysm: Formation of a bulge in the heart wall at the site of muscle damage, which can affect heart function and increase the risk of clots.
• Recurrent heart attack: There is an increased risk of another heart attack, primarily if risk factors are not addressed.
• Blood clots: Increased risk of clots forming in the heart or blood vessels, which can travel to other organs and cause further problems, such as stroke.

Managing Life After a Heart Attack

• Cardiac rehabilitation: Enroll in a supervised program that includes exercise, nutrition counseling, and education to help restore heart health and build confidence.
• Medication adherence: Take all prescribed medicines exactly as directed to help prevent further heart damage and reduce the risk of future heart problems.
• Regular follow-up care: Attend scheduled medical checkups for ongoing assessment and timely adjustments to treatment plans.
• Healthy eating habits: Follow a balanced diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, salt, and added sugars to help control blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Physical activity: Gradually return to physical activity as advised by healthcare professionals to strengthen the heart and improve overall fitness.
• Smoking cessation: Quit tobacco use completely; even a small amount can increase the risk of another heart event.
• Managing other health conditions: Maintain control of blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels through lifestyle modifications and medical management.
• Weight management: Aim for a healthy body weight to reduce the heart’s workload and limit cardiovascular risks.
• Stress reduction: Utilize proven techniques, such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, or counseling, to help manage stress, which can impact heart health.
• Limiting alcohol: If you drink, do so in moderation as advised by your doctor, since excessive alcohol can strain the heart.
• Awareness of symptoms: Stay alert for any warning signs of another heart problem and seek immediate help if they occur.

Sterling Hospital is Your Partner in Heart Health Across Gujarat

At Sterling Hospital, we provide you with the utmost care and comfort throughout your journey to a healthier heart. If you are looking for the best  cardiovascular surgeons in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, or  Gandhidham, we've got you. With considerable years of experience, we have built a team of the best cardiologists in these regions to provide you with premium treatment and the best results. Contact Sterling Hospital to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey towards a healthier heart.