FEELINGS AFTER A HEART ATTACK

Posted by Dr. Mangesh Danej on April 12th, 2021

Lack of blood flow to one section of heart muscle results in the death of a part of the heart and is called “Heart Attack”. Oxygen-rich blood is supplied to the heart through three major coronary arteries which are running over the surface of the heart.

Coronary artery disorder results due to the deposition of a smooth substance called cholesterol which builds up a plaque inside the arterial wall over years of fat consumption, smoking, lack of exercise, obesity, and stress. Diabetes and hypertension accelerate this method of atherosclerosis in coronary arteries.

Plaque in the coronary artery can get eroded or rupture one nice morning without any warning symptoms leading to acute heart attacks. Sudden death can occur in approximately 20-30% of patients at home or on the way to the hospital. This usually happens due to sudden stoppage of effective heartbeat called Ventricular Tachycardia or Ventricular Fibrillation (VT or VF). In the hospital setting such arrhythmias are treated by DC Cardioversion (Shock).

Warning Symptoms of Heart Attack

Many patients are not sure of the symptoms of heart attack; hence delay in responding and reaching the hospital. Some of the most common warning symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain or discomfort in the center of the chest or left arm. It feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness. It can also feel like indigestion or heartburn or throat choking. Dizziness, vomiting, and breathlessness can also accompany these symptoms. Breaking out in cold sweats, extreme tiredness, unusual decline in stamina are also the presenting symptoms of a heart attack. Sometimes, the signs are so subtle that people are shocked to know that they have suffered a heart attack. Quick action in the form of taking a Dispirin dissolved in water at home, rushing to the nearest cath lab enabled hospital is the key to survival.

Treatment

Treatment of heart attack should be instituted as early as possible to minimize the damage caused due to lack of oxygen-rich blood supply. Treatment constitutes resuming blood flow through the blocked artery either by drugs like thrombolytic or mechanical revascularization as in angioplasty and putting a scaffolding tube (stent) inside the artery. This method is very swift and safe in expert hands.

Prevention of CAD should be observed in the form of avoiding cholesterol-rich food, trans-fat and excessive sweets, regular exercise of 30 minutes brisk walk. No tobacco use, control of blood pressure and diabetes, and taking regular medication prescribed by your physician. A stress-free lifestyle goes a long way in preventing premature CAD.

After a heart attack, many patients worry about having another heart attack. Sometimes they feel sad, worried and these are the ones who are more susceptible to another heart attack. As in heartbreak, the feeling of loneliness surrounds a traumatized mind, similarly following a heart attack, one may feel a sense of doom and gloomy perspective of further productive years of his career. Large-scale studies show that 15% of people who survive a heart attack become quite seriously depressed in the first few weeks and another 25% experience mild levels of depression or anxiety. Anxiolytic and anti-depression drugs may be taken for the cure of signs.

Resumption of sexual activity is also ridden with substantial anxiety and fear of over-exerting oneself during this physical and emotional experience. It is advised to resume slow sexual activity after a few weeks of recovery from a heart attack and avoiding intake of drugs like Viagra (sildenafil) especially if nitrates have been prescribed by your doctor. This may result in a sharp fall in blood pressure and feel dizzy. Driving is also permitted after a few weeks of heart attack if it is free of complications like heart failure. Support of family and friends is of utmost significance in the phase of recovery from a heart attack. Joining social groups, interacting with people who have recovered from a heart attack, and participating in creative, entertaining hobbies will help recover faster after a heart attack.

Looking For Best Heart Treatment Contact Dr. Mangesh B Danej is one of the famous  Heart Specialist in Pune. He has completed Professional qualification of MBBS from NDMVPS Medical College, Nashik in 2006, MD from Dr. Vaishampayan Memorial Govt. Medical College, Solapur in 2010 and DNB ( Cardiology ) from Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, Pune in 2014 and specializes in Cardiology. He has more than 9 Years of Experience in cardiology. He is one of the Best Cardiologist in Pune. He attended workshops regarding Trans Esophageal Echocardiography workshop with Pig’s heart dissection at Pune in 2013 and Indian Criticare Workshop at Pune in 2008.