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Heart attack – what is it?
A heart attack, also medically called myocardial infarction, is a medical emergency that occurs when part of the heart muscle stops receiving adequate amounts of blood and oxygen.
This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
Symptoms of a heart attack
Symptoms of a heart attack can vary, but often include shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and pain radiating to the arms, neck, or back. It is important to watch out for these symptoms and seek medical help immediately if they occur.
How long does a heart attack last?
The duration of a heart attack may vary, but the quicker the diagnosis and treatment, the greater the chance of limiting its effects. In some cases, the attack may last only a few minutes, but it can also be longer, leading to more serious damage to the heart muscle.
What is a silent heart attack?
A silent heart attack is a form of heart attack that may occur without any obvious symptoms. Although the absence of chest pain may seem beneficial, it can lead to serious complications, so it is important to have your heart checked regularly and your cholesterol levels checked.
Heart attack – diagnosis. How to check if it was a heart attack? Does the ECG show a previous heart attack?
Diagnosing a heart attack requires evaluation by a doctor, who may use a variety of diagnostic methods, including electrocardiography (ECG). An ECG can help identify changes in heart rhythm and possible damage to the heart muscle. However, comprehensive tests such as echocardiography and blood tests are often needed to confirm a heart attack.
Causes of heart attack
The causes of a heart attack can be various, but most often they are related to obstruction of the coronary vessels caused by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques or blood clots. Risk factors include smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity and physical inactivity.
Survival after heart attack
Survival after a heart attack depends mainly on the speed of response and access to treatment. With immediate medical intervention, your chances of survival can be greatly improved and heart damage can be minimized. However, each case is different, and rehabilitation after a heart attack is a long-term process.
Effects of a heart attack
A heart attack can lead to various complications, including weakening of the heart muscle, cardiac arrhythmias, heart failure and pulmonary embolisms. That is why it is so important to closely monitor your health after a heart attack and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
What does the heart look like after a heart attack?
After a heart attack, the heart may be weakened and have a changed structure. A heart attack can leave scars on the heart muscle, which may affect its functioning. Regular tests, including echocardiography, help assess the condition of the heart after a heart attack.
How to distinguish a heart attack from a neurosis?
Symptoms of a heart attack can often be confused with symptoms of neurosis or a panic attack. However, it is worth remembering that it is better to be cautious and consult a doctor if you have any suspicions, because a heart attack requires immediate medical attention.
Heart attack – prevention
Preventing a heart attack is key and can be achieved through a healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups, controlling cholesterol levels and blood pressure, stopping smoking and being physically active. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains also contributes to heart health.
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Recommended articles
To learn more about heart health, we recommend reading our other articles on heart disease prevention, a healthy diet and physical activity. A healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack.
It is worth remembering that a heart attack is a serious disease that can be life-threatening, so every person should be aware of its symptoms, causes, methods of diagnosis and prevention. If in doubt, always consult a doctor, as a quick reaction can save your life.