If you suspect that you have a heart attack, there are several steps that you can take to treat the condition. These steps can include STEMI, Coronary angiography, Angioplasty, or Cardiac rehabilitation. You should seek medical attention immediately if you suffer from a heart attack.
STEMI
STEMI is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Patients who suffer from STEMI are at risk for developing life-threatening arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation, which may result in sudden cardiac arrest. If the condition is detected early, treatment options can include cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation. Patients with STEMI may also benefit from clot-busting medications and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also known as Angioplasty and stenting.
STEMIs are more severe than other types of heart attack, and about 2.5% to 10% of STEMI patients die within 30 days. A blockage causes a STEMI in a major artery that supplies the heart. Because of the limited blood flow, STEMI is often life-threatening, and time is crucial. In addition, the longer the heart muscle is without oxygen, the worse it will become.
Coronary angiography
Coronary angiography is a diagnostic test that uses contrast dye to see if there is a blockage or narrowing of the coronary arteries. It can also be helpful in investigating other conditions. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and requires the patient to lie flat. During the procedure, the doctor will inject a local anesthetic.
Patients must stay in the hospital for the coronary angiography procedure, but most can go home the same day. After the test, you may feel lightheaded or dizzy for up to 24 hours. You may also need to stay overnight in the hospital for recovery. You will change into a hospital gown, and your healthcare provider will ask you about your medications. It is also essential to pee before the test.
Angioplasty
Angioplasty is a procedure that opens blocked arteries. It does not, however, cure coronary artery disease. After the procedure, the patient will be given a medication and exercise plan to reduce the risk of a subsequent heart attack. It is best to consult your doctor for further advice.
During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through an incision in the groin or arm. First, a doctor threads the thin wire through the artery to the blocked coronary artery. After placing a small balloon inside the catheter, they slide it up the artery until it reaches the heart. Afterward, the doctor removes the guide wire.
Cardiac rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation is a process where a patient undergoes a series of exercises to help rehabilitate the heart after a heart attack. During this phase, the rehab team will assess the heart’s response to different forms of physical activity. It will advise how to use medications safely and limit the risk of future cardiac events. Ultimately, cardiac rehabilitation aims to help patients return to everyday, active lifestyles.
While cardiac rehabilitation is not a cure for heart disease, it can dramatically improve your quality of life and help you recover more quickly. In addition to physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation involves a team of health care professionals, including nurses, cardiologists, exercise specialists, and nutrition specialists. Depending on your needs, the team may use a combination of these disciplines to develop a customized rehabilitation plan.
COVID-19
Researchers have identified an alarming trend: people with COVID-19 have a significantly reduced chance of surviving a heart attack. This trend may be attributed to the fact that COVID-19 patients are usually younger than the average heart patient. The researchers studied the data of more than 80,000 patients in the United States who experienced a heart attack in 2019 or 2020. Most of these patients had attacks at home, work, or community settings.
Most patients with COVID-19 had comorbid conditions that increased their risk of death. Most had hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular disease, and coronary artery disease. In addition, two patients suffered from acute MI, and 15 showed signs of chronic ischemic heart disease.
Dial 999 if you think you might be having a heart attack
Those suffering from a heart attack must seek medical attention as soon as possible. The symptoms of heart attack are usually chest pain, but they may also include symptoms such as sweating and shortness of breath. Dialing 999 is essential in these cases. It can help save a person’s life.
The NHS has launched a new campaign to educate people about early warning signs of heart attacks. The campaign aims to raise awareness about what to look for in the early stages of a heart attack and to encourage people to call 999. However, less than half of people know that they should call 999 if they think they have a heart attack. Although cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature death in the UK, one-quarter of the population suffers from it.
Treatment options after a heart attack
Medications are given to patients after a heart attack to dissolve blood clots and reduce the risk of future blockages. They are given through an IV. Although they may cause bleeding, they effectively decrease pain and prevent a blockage from worsening. Moreover, they can also reduce the work of the heart by decreasing the pressure on the arteries.
The first few days after a heart attack can be difficult, as you may feel weak and depressed. Your healthcare team will help you overcome these challenges and help you regain your health. Following your doctor’s advice on lifestyle changes and taking prescribed medications can reduce your risk of another heart attack.
