A myocardial infarction (MI), sometimes referred to as a heart attack, can present with a wide range of symptoms. Some people experience rapid, life-threatening symptoms that require medical treatment right away, while others may experience gradual symptoms that take hours, days, or even weeks to manifest. Early intervention is essential to reducing cardiac damage since the longer a heart attack is untreated, the worse the damage may become [1].
 

How Does a Heart Attack Happen?

An oxygen shortage causes damage to the heart muscle during a myocardial infarction, sometimes referred to as a heart attack. This occurs when the blood supply to a portion of the heart is cut off. Usually resulting from the accumulation of plaques composed of fat, cholesterol, and white blood cells, this obstruction happens in one of the arteries that feed blood to the heart. An "acute myocardial infarction," or simply "acute MI," occurs when the blockage is severe enough to put the heart in danger. [2]
 

What Causes a Heart Attack? [2] [3]

Several factors contribute to the risk of a heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI). Below are some of the factors that can elevate your risk of having a heart attack divided into modifiable factors (risk factors that can be controlled, or changed) and non-modifiable factors (risk factors that cannot be controlled).
 

Modifiable Risk Factors [2] [3]

• Diabetes: Diabetes increases blood sugar levels and increases the risk of blood vessel damage, especially when left untreated.
• Obesity: Obesity and a lack of physical activity are also major factors since they can result in heart-related disorders such as high blood pressure and hypertension.
• Smoking: The chance of having a heart attack is greatly influenced by lifestyle decisions. Due to its artery-damaging effects and potential to cause plaque accumulation, smoking tobacco is a significant risk factor.
• Diet: Elevated blood pressure, commonly resulting from a diet rich in salt and deficient in vital nutrients, further burdens the heart and raises the risk of a heart attack. In addition, a diet heavy in animal-based saturated fats and high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, popularly known as "bad cholesterol," can cause the arteries to narrow and stiffen.
• Dyslipidemia: Elevated levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, which may obstruct blood flow to your heart and raise the risk of a heart attack.
• Hypertension: The higher the blood pressure and the longer it goes uncontrolled, the greater the impact on your cardiovascular health.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors [2]

• Age: Age is one of the most significant factors. The risk increases notably after the age of 65, and men are generally more susceptible than women.
• Genetic Predisposition: Family history plays a role; a genetic predisposition to heart disease can increase one's risk.

What are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack? [1]

When it comes to recognizing a heart attack, there are five major warning signs that everyone should be aware of:

1. Chest Pain or Pressure: This is often the most recognizable symptom of a heart attack. The pain can feel like intense pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the center of the chest. It may last for several minutes or come and go.
2. Pain or Discomfort in the Jaw, Neck, or Back: Heart attack pain isn’t limited to the chest. Discomfort can radiate to other areas, such as the jaw, neck, or back. This pain might feel dull, achy, or sharp and can be mistaken for other issues like dental problems or muscle strain.
3. Breathlessness: Breathlessness may signal a heart attack even in the absence of chest discomfort. This symptom may come on when exercising or at rest, and it may or may not be followed by chest pain.
4. Feeling Dizzy or Faint: These symptoms might mean that your heart isn't pumping blood as effectively as it should be. Either by itself or in combination with other symptoms, this symptom may manifest.
5. Pain in the Shoulders or Arms: Pain that radiates from the chest into the shoulders or arms, especially on the left side, is another classic symptom of a heart attack. This pain can feel like a deep ache or a sharp stabbing sensation.

The prognosis of a heart attack can be greatly affected by early detection of these signs and prompt medical attention. Don't wait to notify emergency services if you or someone around notices any of these symptoms. The earlier the treatment begins, the better the prognosis and chances of survival.

How to Treat a Heart Attack? [2]

In the event of a heart attack, it's critical to act quickly. The first step is to call emergency services and get the person to the nearest hospital immediately. If the person's heart rate has slowed or stopped, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or an electrical defibrillator should be used right away to try to restart the heart. Restoring blood flow to the heart as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage to the heart muscle.

Here are some potential treatments for heart attack patients that a doctor may advise:

• Aspirin: Taking aspirin as soon as symptoms appear may help break up a blood clot that may be blocking blood flow to the heart.
• Thrombolytic Drugs: These are clot-dissolving medications. They are most effective when given within three hours of the onset of a heart attack.
• Pain Relief: Medication may be used to ease the severe chest pain that is frequently linked to a heart attack.
• Blood Pressure Management: Drugs may be used to lower blood pressure and lessen the oxygen demand on the heart. Diuretics may also be used to increase the effects of these medications.
• Oxygen Therapy: Oxygen is often administered through nasal tubes to ensure the heart and brain get enough oxygen during the crisis.
• Anticoagulants: Medications may be given to reduce the risk of further blood clots.
• Heart Muscle Strengthening: In some cases, medication might be prescribed to strengthen the heart's contractions.
• Blood Flow Support: Medication can be administered to increase blood flow to the heart and support its function.

Moreover, procedures to treat a heart attack might include angioplasty, coronary bypass surgery, or electronic implants.

After a heart attack, patients must follow their doctor's advice on diet, exercise, and stress management to lower the risk of another heart attack.

To sum up, heart attack is a medical emergency that has to be treated immediately. Long-term cardiac damage can be minimized and survival rates greatly increased by being aware of the causes, identifying the symptoms, and understanding how to react. It is important to seek emergency medical attention as soon as you notice any indications of a heart attack, either for yourself or someone close to you.

References

1. Alsooreti, S., Alalawi, B., Abdulkarim, H., Alsayed, S. M., & Al Sharbati, W. (2018). Awareness of Heart Attack Symptoms Among Bahraini Adults Attending Primary Healthcare Centers. Journal of the Bahrain Medical Society, 30(3), 25-33.
2. Lu, L., Liu, M., Sun, R., Zheng, Y., & Zhang, P. (2015). Myocardial infarction: symptoms and treatments. Cell biochemistry and biophysics, 72, 865-867.
3. Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease, Jonathan C. Brown; Thomas E. Gerhardt; Edward Kwon.