Acute heart attack management is a critical medical process that swiftly addresses a blockage in the coronary arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart muscle. Timely diagnosis through advanced tools and prompt treatment can mean the difference between life and death. It's essential to recognise symptoms, seek immediate medical attention, and receive interventions like Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or clot-dissolving drugs. Effective management minimises cardiac muscle damage and improves long-term outcomes, emphasising the importance of rapid diagnostic and treatment protocols.
Symptom Assessment: Diagnosis often begins with an evaluation of the patient’s symptoms, which can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or pain radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back.
Diagnosis must be done immediately since this is an emergency condition. The various tests include-
This essential test records the heart's electrical activity. Specific ECG patterns, such as ST-segment elevation, are indicative of a heart attack.
Cardiac enzyme tests, including troponin and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), detect elevated levels, indicating heart muscle damage.
Imaging studies like echocardiography or cardiac MRI can provide visual evidence of heart muscle damage or compromised blood flow.
Acute heart attacks require immediate medical attention. The treatments for this include:
A time-critical treatment to restore blood flow to the blocked coronary artery. This may include:
Clot-dissolving drugs administered intravenously.
Minimally invasive procedure using a catheter to open the blocked artery and often inserting a stent to keep it open.
Surgical procedure rerouting blood flow around the blocked artery when PCI isn't suitable.
Medication play a crucial role in acute heart attack management. The following medications may be administered:
Medication like aspirin and clopidogrel to prevent further blood clotting.
Heparin or other blood thinners reduce the risk of clot formation.
Nitroglycerin and opioids may be used to relieve pain and reduce cardiac workload.
Supplemental oxygen is administered when needed to ensure the patient receives an adequate oxygen supply.
After stabilisation, patients often engage in cardiac rehabilitation programmes that include:
Supervised physical activity to improve heart health and strength.
Education on heart-healthy dietary choices, smoking cessation, and stress management.
Counseling and peer support to address the emotional impact of a heart attack.
Follow-up care for individuals who have experienced an acute heart attack is a crucial component of their recovery journey. It involves a combination of regular medical check-ups, cardiac testing, and ongoing support to manage underlying conditions and optimise heart health. Patients receive guidance on adopting heart-healthy lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management. Psychological support is also provided to address the emotional impact of a heart attack. This comprehensive approach ensures that individuals receive the necessary care and resources to lead heart-healthy lives and reduce the likelihood of future heart-related issues.
The development of rapid and precise diagnostic tools, groundbreaking therapies, and personalised treatments tailored to individual genetic and lifestyle factors will contribute to enhanced patient outcomes. Telemedicine also supports better management, allowing for real-time remote monitoring and immediate intervention.
Our specialised team and purpose-built emergency cardiac unit ensure timely intervention for safe and effective acute heart attack management. Our comprehensive services cover emergency care, diagnostics, advanced treatments, and long-term follow-up, ensuring quality and continuity of care.