HEART ATTACK

A heart attack occurs when there is a blockage in one of the coronary
arteries and the blood supply to a part of the heart is cut off. This lack of
blood can damage the heart. A heart attack is sometimes referred to as
myocardial infarction.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease, or atherosclerosis is a disease process that is
the most common cause of a heart attack. This disease occurs when the
smooth inner lining of the coronary arteries becomes damaged and
roughened, and fatty matter (sometimes called plaque) accumulates. As
plaque continues to build-up the arteries become increasingly narrowed
and hard, which restricts blood flow to the heart muscle.

As atherosclerosis progresses, platelets (cells in the blood that aid
clotting) can easily stick to the roughened vessel wall. This can cause
small clots to form which will also block blood flow to the heart muscle.

Occasionally diseased arteries have spasms (vasospasms) which further
narrow the artery and limit blood flow as well.

Angina

The most common symptom of a heart attack is angina, often referred to
as chest pain. Angina is felt in many different ways:
* chest pain or pressure
* heaviness or tightness
* dull aching or burning
* numbness or discomfort

Although angina is often felt in the chest, it may also radiate to the arms,
shoulders, neck, back or jaw. Other symptoms that can occur with a heart
attack include:
*shortness of breath
* palpitations (fluttering in chest)
* "skipped heart beats"
* a fast heart rate
* dizziness
* nausea and/or sweating

All of these symptoms are felt when a narrowed coronary artery reaches a
point where it can no longer supply enough blood to meet your heart's
needs - this condition is called ischemia. Having angina doesn't
necessarily mean that you are having a heart attack, but is does mean that
you have coronary artery disease.

Sometimes ischemia and/or a heart attack can occur with no warning
symptoms. This is called silent ischemia.

Angina/Heart Attack: What's the Difference?

Heart Attack:
* Blood supply to heart is blocked for an extended period of time
* Symptoms last longer, usually more than 30 minutes
* Symptoms persist, even with rest or medication
* May result in permanent damage to heart muscle

Angina:
* Blood supply to heart is blocked temporarily
* Symptoms last for a short period of time
* Symptoms relieved with rest and/or medication
* Does not cause permanent damage to heart muscle.

Diagnosing a Heart Attack

Doctors diagnose a heart attack by looking at EKG's and doing blood tests.
If your heart attack is in the early stages (within 4 hours of onset of
symptoms), you may be treated with a new type of drug called a
thrombolytic. Thrombolytics (known as clot-busters), help to dissolve the
clot in the coronary artery and prevent or reduce damage to the heart
muscle.

Your heart begins to heal soon after a heart attack. Scar tissue will
actually form on the area of your heart that was deprived of oxygen (this
is dead tissue). Sometimes if the artery was not totally blocked, or if a
clot-busting drug is given, no heart muscle will die.

What Can I Do To Prevent Further Heart Disease?

Once you are home from the hospital and recovering from your heart
attack, it's time to think about preventing further heart disease. A Cardiac
Rehabilitation Program is the best way to learn how to do this. Throughout
your time in the program, exercise physiologists and nurses will
facilitate your recovery by helping you with incorporating the appropriate
changes into your lifestyle. Cardiac Rehabilitation can be very beneficial
both physically and psychologically.