Best Cardiology Hospital in Visakhapatnam

Heart Attacks in India: Young and Old, No One is Immune

Heart attacks!!! They sound so scary, aren’t they?? Every year in India alone, over 32,000 people lose their lives to heart disease. That’s a staggering number, and it’s not just a problem for older generations. Heart attacks are not even sparing the younger generation. In the past few years, many of the young celebrities, who often appeared to be in peak physical condition died due to heart attacks. Heart attack is no longer an old age disease. This harsh reality is a wake-up call for all of us. You must get your full body health checkup annually at Best Cardiology Hospital in Visakhapatnam. As the very old saying goes precautions are better than cure. This blog is here to shed light on heart attack: causes, symptoms cure. Whether you’re young or old, fit or not, understanding your heart health is essential. Let’s dive in and empower ourselves with this vital information.

Best Cardiologist in Visakhapatnam

Heart Attacks and Finding the Best Cardiologist in Visakhapatnam

Our heart health should be a top priority, for we are here only until it beats

Imagine the arteries supplying blood to your heart like pipes. Normally, these pipes are clear and allow for smooth blood flow. But over time, fatty deposits can build up inside the artery walls, forming plaque. This buildup narrows the passage and restricts blood flow. Think of it like a clogged pipe with less water flowing through.

Sometimes, a plaque can rupture or crack. This triggers the formation of a blood clot at the rupture site. The clot can act like a complete plug, entirely blocking the artery and stopping blood flow to a part of your heart muscle. Your heart muscle, just like any other muscle in your body, needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to function properly. When a blockage cuts off blood flow, the heart muscle in that area becomes starved of oxygen. This lack of oxygen damages and starts killing those heart muscle cells.

If a significant portion of your heart muscle is damaged, it can’t contract and pump blood as efficiently as before. This disrupts the heart’s overall pumping function, potentially leading to:

Reduced blood flow to the rest of your body: Your body’s organs and tissues rely on the continuous pump of your heart to receive oxygen-rich blood. With a weakened pump, blood flow can become sluggish, depriving organs of vital oxygen.

Arrhythmias: Damaged heart muscle can disrupt the heart’s electrical signals, leading to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). In some cases, these arrhythmias issue can pose danger to your life.

If you suspect a heart attack, don’t hesitate to seek help from Best Cardiologist in Visakhapatnam. Heart attacks are medical emergencies, and prompt treatment is crucial to restore blood flow to the affected part of the heart and minimize the extent of damage to the heart muscle.

How heart attack feel like

The experience of heart attack will vary from person to person. The most common symptom is chest pain, but it can vary widely. It might feel like tightness, pressure, squeezing, or even a dull ache. This discomfort can start in your chest and radiate outwards to your arms (often the left arm but it can be both), shoulders, neck, jaw, back, or even down your belly. Interestingly, some people mistake these symptoms for indigestion or heartburn.

However, chest pain isn’t the only warning sign. You might also experience shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating during a heart attack. If you’re feeling any of these symptoms, especially if they’re new or concerning, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

• 30% of heart attacks are silent.
• No symptoms especially diabetes and old age people.

Warning signs of Heart attack.

Below are some warning signs of heart Attack:

Chest pain or pressure: This is the most common symptom, but it doesn’t always feel like you see in movies. It might feel tight, uncomfortable, or heavy. The pain can also spread to your shoulders, jaw, back, stomach, or arms.

Shortness of breath: This can feel like you can’t catch your breath, even when you’re resting.

Feeling sick to your stomach: You might feel nauseated or throw up.

Lightheadedness or dizziness: You might feel faint or woozy.

Important: Men and women can experience heart attacks differently. Women are less likely to have chest pain, but more likely to have shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, and trouble sleeping in the days leading up to a heart attack. They might also have pain in their back, neck, arms, or belly.

If you think you or someone you know might be having a heart attack, call emergency services right away. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away – getting help quickly is the best way to prevent serious damage.

Cause of heart attack?  

A clog in a blood artery that supplies blood to the heart is the most common cause of heart attacks. We have seen above how plaque accumulates on the insides of your arteries and blocks them. Atherosclerosis describes this accumulation. Coronary artery disease occurs when there is a significant accumulation of atherosclerotic plaque in the blood arteries that go to the heart.
A blood clot may get lodged at the site of a rupture when plaque deposits inside the coronary arteries burst. A heart attack may occur if blood cannot reach the heart muscle due to a clot blocking an artery.

While heart attacks without plaque rupture do occur, they are much less common, constituting just about 5% of all heart attacks. A myocardial infarction may develop due to the following factors:

1. narrowing of the coronary arteries.

2. Diseases that produce abnormal constriction of blood vessels are examples of rare medical diseases.
3. Damage to or rupturing of the coronary arteries as a result of trauma.
4. Emboli, which are air bubbles or blood clots, may originate from another part of the body and lodge in a coronary artery, causing blockage.
5. Condition characterized by disordered eating… These may weaken your heart over time, which can lead to a heart attack.
6. A congenital cardiac defect in which the coronary arteries are positioned abnormally is known as anomalous coronary arteries. A heart attack is caused by the compression of them.
7. When oxygen levels are low, blood pressure is low, or heart rate is too high, the heart may not get enough blood for an extended length of time.

Your chances of getting a heart attack:

Your chance of suffering a heart attack is affected by several important variables. Some of these risk factors for heart attacks, however, aren’t modifiable:

1. Both sex and age have a role in the increased risk of heart attack with advancing age. When the likelihood of a heart attack begins to rise depends on your sex. An increased risk of heart attack occurs at the age of 45 for males. The risk of a heart attack rises after menopause or after age 50 female.

2. Heart disease in the family tree: Because of shared genetic predisposition, your risk increases if one of your parents or siblings has a history of cardiovascular illness or a heart attack, particularly if it occurred while they were younger. An increased risk of cardiovascular disease is associated with a first-degree family (parent, biological sibling, or child) who was diagnosed with the condition at a younger age (55 or younger for males, 65 or younger for females).

3. Personal style: Your chance of suffering a heart attack might be raised by engaging in lifestyle choices that are detrimental to your heart health. Things like smoking, consuming meals that are rich in fat, not getting enough exercise, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, and using drugs fall under this category.

4. Specific medical issues: Certain medical issues place extra strain on the heart, raising the probability of a heart attack. The following conditions are considered preeclampsia risk factors: diabetes, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, or a history of the condition.

Complications after a heart attack?

Heart attacks may lead to complications such as:

Arrhythmias:

Damage from a heart attack can change the way electrical messages move through the heart, which can lead to arrhythmias, which are irregular or unusual heart beats.

Some arrhythmias may be serious and can be deadly.

Cardiogenic Shock:

Cardiogenic shock is a rare condition that occurs when the heart is suddenly and abruptly unable to pump blood effectively.

 Heart Failure:

Extensive damage to the heart muscle tissue can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood, leading to heart failure. Heart failure may be short lived or persistent.

Pericarditis:

Sometimes, a heart attack can trigger a faulty immune system response, leading to inflammation of the saclike tissue surrounding the heart (pericarditis). This condition may also be called Dressler syndrome, postmyocardial infarction syndrome, or postcardiac injury syndrome.

Cardiac Arrest and Sudden Cardiac Death

A heart attack increases the risk of cardiac arrest, a life-threatening condition in which the heart stops beating without warning due to a sudden change in the heart’s electrical signals. Cardiac arrest can lead to sudden cardiac death if not treated immediately.

Mechanical problems include ventricular septal defects and free wall ruptures. These complications are more common when a heart attack is treated too slowly.

Examination and Evaluation:
The emergency department is the traditional place for doctors to make a diagnosis of a heart attack. A physical examination is necessary if you are experiencing signs of a heart attack. A medical professional will take your vitals, including pulse, blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, and the sounds of your heart and lungs. What symptoms did you experience? They will inquire about it as well. Someone who was there with you may be asked to explain what happened.

What diagnostic procedures are used to confirm a heart attack?

The following are the methods used to diagnose a heart attack by a healthcare provider:

Blood Tests:

One of the primary tests is a blood test to check for elevated levels of cardiac enzymes like troponin, which are released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged.

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG):

An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a crucial test that records the electrical activity of the heart. It can help identify if a heart attack has occurred and locate the affected area of the heart muscle. Every Individual after 40years can undergo ECG for every 6months.

2. D.Echocardiogram:

An echocardiogram uses ultrasound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function. 2.D.Echocardiogram is a very simple and non-painful test which detects entire structure of heart chambers, congenital heart problems, vascular diseases and paediatric heart problems.

All diabetic and hypertensive patients need to undergo 2.D.Echocardiogram for every 6months for assess heart function and heart pumping capacity.

Coronary Angiogram:

A coronary angiogram involves injecting a contrast dye and using X-rays to visualize the coronary arteries and detect any blockages.

Heart CT Scan:

A heart CT scan provides detailed images of the heart and its blood vessels.

Cardiac MRI:

A cardiac MRI uses magnetic fields to create images of the heart’s structure and blood flow.

Stress Test:

In some cases, a stress test may be ordered, where the heart is monitored while the patient exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike. This test can help determine if the heart is receiving adequate blood flow during physical activity.

Dobutamine Stress Echo Test (D.S.E)

• It’s a day care procedure for old Age patients, who are suffering with knee pains, or lower limb problems. They unable to do T.M.T (stress test or treo mill test].
• For those patients injection Dobutamine will be infused in I.C.U artificially Increases heart rate and parallally doctor monitor heart pumping action with help of 2.D. ECHO.
• It takes 20-30 minutes time. After few hours patient can be discharged.
• If D.S.E positive indicates heart problem (M.I or U.S.A) Angina.

Nuclear Heart Scans

By combining the results of these various tests, doctors can accurately diagnose a heart attack and determine the appropriate course of treatment.

Nuclear heart scans, such as SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography) or PET (positron emission tomography), involve injecting a radioactive tracer into the bloodstream and using specialized cameras to detect areas of the heart with reduced blood flow or damage.

Treatment for a heart attack?
Immediate restoration of blood flow to the damaged heart muscle is essential for the treatment of a heart attack. Several methods, from medicine to surgery, are capable of doing this. A combination of these approaches is probable for treatment.

Extra oxygen:
Supplemental oxygen is often administered to patients experiencing difficulty breathing or low blood oxygen levels in conjunction with other therapies for heart attacks. A mask that covers both your nose and mouth or a tube that rests just below your nose, are two ways to breathe the oxygen. Your heart will not have to work as hard since more oxygen will be pumped into your bloodstream.

Medications

A few examples are:

1. Aspirin and other blood-thinning treatments are examples of anti-clotting medications.
When taken orally, nitroglycerin reduces chest discomfort and widens blood arteries, allowing more blood to flow through.

2. Within the first twelve hours after a heart attack, doctors will prescribe thrombolytic drugs to prevent blood clots.  Medication that prevents dangerous irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, are common side effects of heart attacks. These abnormalities may be halted or prevented using anti-arrhythmia drugs.

3. A beta-blocker is a medicine that slows the heart rate, which helps the heart heal after a heart attack. Sorbitrae tablet sub lingual can relive chest pain in emergency conditions.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI/Angioplasty):

In this minimally invasive procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into an artery, typically in the groin or arm, and guided to the blocked coronary artery. Once the blockage is reached, a small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to compress the plaque and widen the artery, restoring blood flow. Often, a small mesh tube called a stent is permanently implanted to prop the artery open and prevent it from re-narrowing. Speed is crucial in performing PCI, as prompt restoration of blood flow helps minimize heart muscle damage. Hospitals track “door-to-balloon time” – the interval between a patient’s arrival and the opening of the blocked artery – aiming for the shortest possible duration.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG):

This open-heart surgery is recommended when multiple coronary arteries are severely obstructed. During CABG, a healthy artery or vein is taken from another part of the body, typically the leg, arm, or chest wall. This vessel is then surgically attached to the blocked coronary artery, creating a new pathway for blood to flow around the obstructed section and reach the heart muscle. Multiple bypasses may be performed, depending on the number and location of blockages. CABG is a more invasive procedure than PCI but can provide a long-term solution for patients with extensive coronary artery disease.

By using these treatments, healthcare providers aim to promptly restore blood supply to the heart muscle, alleviate symptoms, and reduce the risk of further complications from a heart attack.

PaceMaker:

A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that is implanted under the skin, typically near the collarbone, to help regulate the heartbeat. It is used to treat various types of arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythms) and heart conditions that affect the heart’s electrical system.

Here’s how a pacemaker works:

1. Monitoring the heart rhythm: The pacemaker is connected to the heart through one or more thin, flexible wires called leads. These leads are inserted into the heart chambers, allowing the pacemaker to monitor the heart’s electrical activity and detect any abnormalities in the heart rhythm.

2. Pacing the heart: If the pacemaker detects that the heart rate is too slow (bradycardia) or if there are pauses in the heartbeat, it can send electrical impulses through the leads to stimulate the heart muscle and regulate the heart rate to a normal range.

3. Programmable settings: Pacemakers are programmable devices, which means that the healthcare provider can adjust the settings to match the patient’s specific needs. These settings can control various parameters, such as the lower and upper heart rate limits, the rate at which the pacemaker should intervene, and the pacing mode (single or dual chamber).

4. Battery life: Pacemakers are powered by long-lasting batteries, typically lasting between 5 to 10 years or longer, depending on the model and usage. When the battery runs low, a minor surgical procedure is required to replace the pacemaker unit.

Pacemakers are designed to regulate the heart rate but do not stop or prevent heart attacks. Patients with pacemakers still need to manage other risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, through lifestyle changes and medication, if necessary.

Prevention of Heart Attacks:

   – Quit smoking

   – Maintain a healthy weight through a nutritious, heart-healthy diet

   – Engage in regular physical exercise

   – Practice stress management techniques

   – Control conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which increase heart attack risk

   – Attend regular checkups as advised by your healthcare provider

   – Take all medications prescribed by your doctor.

   – These may include drugs to protect and improve heart health

 

What should I do first if I see someone unconscious who may be having a heart attack?

If you see someone who appears to be having a heart attack, take the following steps immediately:

1. Call your local emergency number right away.

2. Check if the person is unconscious, not breathing, and has no pulse. If so, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instantly.

3. If you are not trained in CPR, perform hands-on CPR by pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

4. If you are trained in CPR and confident in your skills, give 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths, and continue alternating compressions and breaths. Place one hand on top of the other and push straight down at least 2 inches deep, allowing the chest to recoil between compressions. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, follow the instructions to use it.

5. Perform CPR until emergency responders arrive or the person regains consciousness. Acting swiftly and following these steps can significantly increase the chance of survival for someone experiencing a heart attack.

Final words:

Heart sustains our very existence. By paying close attention to our bodies, getting annual full-body check-ups, and promptly seeking medical attention for any concerning symptoms, we can potentially prevent or catch heart issues early on.

 Too often, heart attack symptoms are brushed aside or mistaken for something less serious like gas problems. However, this can be a deadly mistake. We must learn to recognize the signs and not ignore them. Additionally, learning CPR and being prepared to take action if we witness someone exhibiting heart attack symptoms can make all the difference.

Your quick response could save a life – maybe even your own.

At the end of the day, life is precious, and taking these proactive steps to safeguard our cardiovascular health is invaluable. Don’t put your heart at risk when simple precautions and knowledge can go a long way.