Heart

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to heart attack. A heart attack or myocardial infarction happens when heart muscle cells die because they do not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. Most heart attacks are caused by a formation of a blood clot (thrombus) that completely blocks a coronary artery that supplies blood to […]

Here are definitions of medical terms related to heart attack. Adrenaline: One of the chemical messengers in the body that causes the heart to beat faster. Angina: Term for choking pain (Latin, throat pain or choking). When coupled with the word ‘pectoris’ (Latin, of the chest), angina refers to a painful, constricting sensation in the chest. Angina

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on heart attack. Heart Attack Guide: Part Two – Recovery, Rehabilitation, Medications, Exercise, Lifestyle Modifications, Depression  http://www.heartinfo.org American Heart Association (national office)  Phone: (800) AHA-USA1 Heart & stroke info  Phone: (888) MY HEART Women’s health info  http://www.americanheart.org Mended Hearts, Inc.  Phone: (214) 373-6300 http://www.mendedhearts.org/ National

Depending on which coronary artery is affected, and where it becomes blocked, different parts of the heart are damaged at the time of a heart attack. The right coronary artery carries blood to the right side of the heart (the right atrium and right ventricle) portions of the left side of the heart parts of

It’s sometimes hard to tell if chest pain is caused by a heart attack or another condition. For example, pain related to a heart attack is frequently mistaken for indigestion and can even be briefly and partially relieved with belching or antacids. Conversely, people with pain from gastroesophageal reflux (“heartburn”) frequently mistake their pain for

Although there is some overlap, care provided to a heart attack patient can be divided into three settings: Prehospital (outside the hospital and in the hospital emergency department) Hospital (inpatient care, including the coronary care unit) Convalescent (recovery and rehabilitation) Care provided in the prehospital and hospital settings focuses on: Relief of distress, including chest

Most patients suspected of having suffered an acute heart attack are admitted to a hospital’s coronary care unit (CCU). The CCU is intended to be a quiet, calm, and restful area in which patients can be further evaluated and closely monitored. A specially trained nurse who works with doctors and other members of the medical

Heart attacks vary widely in the amount of damage caused and whether there are any complications. Some people may suffer a mild heart attack with no associated complications, which is called an uncomplicated heart attack. Others may suffer a more extensive heart attack with a wide range of complications. Fortunately, treatments can prevent or reduce

A variety of diagnostic tests can be performed to: Confirm that a heart attack has occurred Provide additional information that can guide treatment, and/or Determine the long-term outcome or prognosis in someone who has suffered a heart attack Some tests, such as sequential electrocardiograms or blood tests, are performed on all patients suspected of having