Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a significant cardiovascular event with significant implications and occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is interrupted, often due to a clot of blood. Due to clot. The underlying cause is usually a build-up of cholesterol-rich plaque in the coronary arteries, leading to reduced blood supply.
Reason:
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Anup Taksande, Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Wockhardt Hospital in Mira Road, Mumbai, shared, “The primary cause of myocardial infarction is atherosclerosis, where the arteries become narrow and stiff due to plaque accumulation. Other contributing factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and a family history of heart disease.
Dr. Srikanth Shetty, Senior Consultant and Head of Interventional Cardiology at Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, sharing his expertise, said, “A heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction, occurs when there is a sudden blockage in a coronary artery. Which causes damage. “Plaque build-up causes reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.”
symptoms:
Dr. Anup Taksande said, “It is important to recognize the symptoms for quick intervention. Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness are common indicators. However, symptoms can vary, and women may experience subtle symptoms.
According to Dr. Srikant Shetty, “Symptoms include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea and sweating, while women may have different indicators at times. Interestingly, some heart attacks occur without any obvious symptoms. Contributing factors include previous heart conditions, age, smoking, increased cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and stress.
Treatment and Prevention Tips:
Dr. Anup Taksande said, “Emergency medical care is mandatory for the treatment of heart attack. Medical intervention may include medications to dissolve clots, aspirin to prevent more clots from forming, and procedures such as angioplasty or stent placement to restore blood flow. Rehabilitation programs focus on lifestyle changes and cardiovascular treatments to enhance recovery. Preventing myocardial infarction involves adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet low in saturated fat, quitting smoking, and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes are paramount. Regular health checkups, cholesterol monitoring and maintaining a healthy weight contribute to preventive measures.
He further added, “Myocardial infarction is a serious health concern and understanding its causes, recognizing the symptoms, seeking prompt treatment and adopting preventive measures are essential components to reduce its impact on cardiovascular health. Education and awareness play a vital role in empowering individuals to prioritize heart health and reduce the risk of myocardial infarction.
Dr. Srikant Shetty concluded, “Timely medical intervention is mandatory. Prevention strategies include adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing underlying health problems, and adhering to prescribed medications to reduce heart attack risk.
