Heart attack is a leading cause of death among all cardiovascular diseases. 85% of deaths in cardiovascular disorders occur only due to Heart attack and stroke. A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction. Heart attack is caused by blockage of blood flow to the part of the heart or muscles of the heart. Consult the best heart doctor in Ranchi.

The blockage of coronary arteries can be due to the deposition of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. These substances form plaque along the lining of blood vessels. This narrows down the artery and causes blockage. The plaque ruptures and obstructs the blood flow. The obstructed blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle. More time required to restore the blood flow is greater than the damage to the heart muscle.

What are the causes of a heart attack?

A heart attack does not develop suddenly, it is a result of your lifestyle. Advancing age and family history are contributing factors for chronic heart disease or heart attack. These factors are called risk factors.

High blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, chronic smoking harms the heart and can lead to cardiovascular disorders.

Proactive measures should be taken at the right age concerning diet and lifestyle to control heart-related problems.

Symptoms: Heart attack symptoms differ person to person. Some common symptoms of heart attack are as follow:

Chest pain and tightness, pressure: Chest discomfort on the left side of the heart is the primary sign of heart attack. Discomfort may be in the form of pressure, tightness, pain. Discomfort can last for a few minutes and go away. It can come back again after some time.

Radiating pain in arm, jaw, neck, back: Pain of heart attack can radiate down to the left arm or upper side of the body in the jaw, neck as well as back.

Shortness of breath: Shortness of the breath may occur prior to chest discomfort or followed by chest discomfort.

Cold sweat: Patients may feel generalised weakness, lightheadedness, giddiness or may faint.

Fatigue & Sudden dizziness: Sudden dizziness and fatigue can be felt due to heart attack.

Symptoms of heart attack can be mild to severe. In some patients there are no symptoms, and they experience sudden heart attacks. In the majority of patients warning signs of heart attack can be seen from hours, days to weeks in advance. Nausea and stomach ache can be present in women before heart attack. Chest pain or angina which is triggered by activity and relieved by rest, is the primary sign. Angina is caused by obstruction of blood flow in the heart.

Call 911 in case of emergency: If you or anyone around you observes symptoms of heart attack, contact on 911 to get emergency medical assistance. Sooner you reach the hospital, the better the chances of survival. When you reach the hospital trained medical staff or doctors give CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation or an electrical shock (defibrillation) to restart the heart and restore blood flow.

Cardiologists conduct tests to find out the cause of heart attack and decide a best treatment plan for you. Consult Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jha, best heart doctor in Ranchi.

Recovery after heart attack:

The patient who experienced a heart attack, has a damaged heart. It could impact heart rhythm and ability to pump blood to the rest of the body. the patient is more susceptible to next heart attack or complications like stroke, kidney disorders and peripheral arterial disease. To lower the risk of these complications here are certain tips from Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jha, best heart doctor in Ranchi.

Physical activity:

Staying active is important, your cardiologist can guide you about your exercise regime. After a heart attack traveling, sexual activities should be restricted for a few days. Take advice from your doctor.

Lifestyle changes:

Diet plays a key role in keeping the heart sound. Eating healthy and nutrition rich food can subsequently improve your condition. Quit smoking completely. Stress management is another important factor. Indulge in hobbies, music, yoga, and meditation. Sound mind helps in maintaining a sound body. Take medications on time, do not skip them. Attend cardiac rehabilitation programs that can keep you informed and motivated.

Cardiac rehabilitation: Cardiac rehabilitation program is a platform through which cardiac experts guide and inform patients recovering from heart attack, heart failure or dealing with other heart problems which require surgical intervention or medical care. Cardiac rehabilitation program is customised such that it covers all preventive measures for heart attack such as type of physical activity, diet plan, medication, stress management and mental health.

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are conducted by your doctor or cardiologist, nutritionist, physiotherapist, counsellor, or mental health professional.

To know more Consult Dr. Rajesh Kumar Jha, head of cardiology department.