A Heart Attack and Its Causes
A heart attack occurs when a part of your heart muscle is damaged or dies because the blood supply to that area has been blocked. This blockage can be caused by a buildup of plaque (fatty material) on the walls of your coronary arteries or by a blood clot that forms in one of those arteries.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Symptoms of a heart attack vary from person to person. Usually, you’ll feel mild pain or discomfort in the center of your chest. Sometimes, you’ll also feel pressure or fullness in your chest or other parts of your body. Some of these symptoms may come on suddenly, while others will develop gradually. They can be triggered by stress, a diet high in fat or salt, smoking, diabetes, or other conditions. Other warning signs of a heart attack include shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness. People with these warning signs should call 911 immediately.
Treatment and Recovery
Early treatment can often save lives. If a heart attack is not treated, the damage can be severe. You’ll need to take extra care of yourself for the first few weeks after you leave the hospital. You can have a home care worker or health agency come to your home to give you personal support. You might also need a doctor’s appointment every 4 to 6 weeks, so that your heart condition is monitored. Your recovery after a heart attack will vary, but most people can get back to normal activities within a few months. Depending on how much damage you have had to your heart, you might need to reduce the amount of physical activity you do.
Exercise and Diet
Talk to your doctor about the best way to get active after a heart attack. They can show you how to do exercises that will help strengthen your heart and improve your blood flow. They might also recommend changes to your diet or lifestyle that can protect against future heart attacks and other health problems. A healthy, balanced diet is the key to a heart-healthy life. Make sure you eat plenty of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, nuts, and seeds. Avoid fatty, fried foods and sugary drinks.
Medications and CPR
Some medicines are used to lower blood pressure, which can help prevent a heart attack from happening. Your doctor can prescribe these drugs and explain how to use them safely. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is also an important part of your treatment after a heart attack. It can help keep oxygenated blood moving through your body until emergency medical help arrives. If you’re having trouble breathing, do CPR or use an automated external defibrillator. These devices are often found in workplaces or public places, but you should always be prepared to do CPR if someone else is not available.
Support and Coping
You can also find a support group of people who have had a heart attack to share your experiences and feelings. Having someone to talk to about what happened can help you manage the feelings of grief and loss, as well as anger and fear. It can also be helpful to share what you have learned about your health and how to live a healthier life.
