|
 | |||
  |
||||
Site FeedbackHeart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
Description | Treatment Options | John Muir Health Capabilities | Related Links
Definition
When the heart does not get enough blood flow, some of the heart muscle dies. The death of heart muscle is call myocardial infarction or, in common language, a heart attack. The reduction or stoppage in blood flow may occur in one or more of the three main arteries that deliver blood to the heart muscle.
Description
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack happens if the blood supply to part of the heart muscle (call the myocardium) is reduced or completely stops. The cause is usually a blood clot that blocks the blood flow through the artery. Interrupted blood flow to your heart can damage or cause death of heart muscle. The permanent damage happens in a very a few minutes. A heart attack is considered a life-threatening emergency and needs immediately medical treatment.
Every year, close to a million Americans suffer a heart attack. Years ago a heart attack was a fatal event. Thanks to improved awareness of signs and symptoms and early and improved medical treatment, the majority of those who suffer a heart attack survive.
Common symptoms of a heart attack include pain, pressure, or discomfort in the chest. The pain may travel down left arm or up into the jaw. These complaints may be accompanied by difficulty breathing. Discomfort is often accompanied by sweating and dizziness. A heart attack may evolve over several hours. If the blood flow is reestablished in a timely manner, the damage will be limited.
Often, an individual avoids seeking medical advice because they don't recognize or deny the signs and symptoms. Some may worry about being wrong or that this is a false alarm. People who die of a heart attack, die within the first few hours after they have symptoms. It is important that you seek medical treatment if anyone feels they are having a heart attack.
Treatment Options
What can be done for a heart attack?
For many patients, the first sign of a heart problem is a heart attack. Surprisingly, nearly half of heart attack victims are between the ages of 40 and 65. The fact that many heart attack deaths can be prevented with immediate treatment is supported by decades of research. It's known that many people who think they are having indigestion or muscle aches actually are having a heart attack.
If you think that you are having a heart attack, you should seek medical care immediately. Call 911 for emergency medical help. An emergency dispatcher will contact the emergency services in your area. Many people waste time because they do not recognize the symptoms of a heart attack. The most important thing that you can do to survive a heart attack is to recognize the symptoms and seek medical help.
The field of medicine is ever-changing. State-of-the-art procedures for diagnosis and treatment of heart problems exist in many centers throughout the country. John Muir Health is proud of its ability to rapidly respond to cardiac emergencies. Well equipped and expertly staffed Emergency Departments are available at both sites to expertly diagnosis and care for individuals with cardiac problems. Competent clinical staff and physicians certified in emergency care are available seven days a week and twenty-four hours a day to care for patients. The Emergency Department is often the first to diagnosis and provides immediate care for someone with a cardiac emergency. Once the emergency care team arrives, they will ask questions about your complaint and health history. An electrocardiogram (EKG) will be done. An EKG helps identify if heart damage has occurred and what part of the heart is involved. Continuous monitoring of your heart rhythm and rate will also be done. If it is determined that you are having a heart attack, the Emergency Department staff will take immediate action as indicated. The Emergency Department or your own physician may ask a cardiac specialist to see you. The cardiac specialist (cardiologist) may choose one or more treatments that are available to treat your heart attack. The specialist may decide to use a medication (a "clot buster") to dissolve the blood clot that has caused the blockage in your heart's blood supply. This medication is administered directly into a vein usually in your arm. Additional medications may be given using this same vein to improve the heart circulation and relieve discomfort. Special blood tests are done to measure chemical markers. These markers help determine the extent of damage to the heart muscle.
Other tests/procedures may be done. These special tests include:
- Cardiac catheterization (Heart Cath or Angiogram)
- Balloon and Stent Procedures
- Echocardiography (echo)
- Heart Rhythm (Arrhythmia or Electrophysiology) Analysis
- Cardiac Surgery
John Muir Health Capabilities
John Muir Health is a leader in heart care. John Muir Health has a 30-year record of saving and mending hearts. Both John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus and John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus rank among California's top hospital providers of cardiac care. State-of-the-art technology as well as expert physicians and clinical staff are available on a 24 hour, seven day a week basis. Our outstanding group of medical and surgical cardiac care professionals brings the most advanced heart care to serve our community.