Heart attack

What is heart attack?

Heart attack (Myocardial Infarction) is damage to a region of the heart muscle, usually due to sudden blockage of a blood vessel supplying oxygenated blood to the region (coronary artery). Though heart attack can occur due to a mismatch between the supply and demand for blood in the region, the usual heart attack which we are familiar with is due to blockage of a blood vessel. Heart attack is different from cardiac arrest. In cardiac arrest, heart stops beating and it is equivalent to death unless the function of the heart is promptly restored either spontaneously or by chest compression and artificial breathing protocol known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

What are the important symptoms of heart attack?

The most familiar symptom of heart attack is severe central chest pain. It is often associated with sweating, fatigue, dizziness and sometimes breathlessness. Rarely there are no symptoms and then it is known as a ‘silent heart attack’. Some unfortunate victims of heart attack develop a cardiac arrest and may die suddenly (sudden death). Sudden death in heart attack is often due to a sudden change in the heart rhythm which makes the heart stand still (ventricular fibrillation). This abnormal rhythm can be treated by CPR and direct current shock using a device known as defibrillator which shocks the heart back into action. An automatic external defibrillator for use of untrained persons, is now available in many public places like airport.

What to do if you think you are having a heart attack?

First and foremost is to take rest and call for emergency support. In regions where an emergency ambulance service is available, it should be called and one should proceed to the nearest hospital. In well equipped ambulances, it is possible to make a diagnosis and start early treatment even before reaching the hospital. After initial assessment by the paramedic, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is recorded. When facility is available, the ECG is transmitted to the receiving hospital where the team is ready for further action even before arrival of the victim.

It is not advisable to travel in a self driven vehicle to the hospital unless you have no other options. This is because occasionally cardiac arrest can occur en route. Moreover arrival in ambulance speeds up management in the emergency department. Traffic worries are also lesser while travelling in an ambulance. This is in addition to the medical support available in the ambulance.