Heart Attack: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Heart attack occurs when flow of blood to the heart gets blocked. It may be due to build up of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the arteries. You will feel extreme sensation or ache in your chest or arms, nausea and shortness of breath. One must always rush for medical help as soon as the slightest of these symptoms are felt. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is done to record the electric activities of your heart along with a blood test. The immediate medications given during heart attack are aspirin, thrombolytics, antiplatelet agents, morphine and nitroglycerin. There are surgeries like coronary angioplasty and stenting and coronary artery bypass.

Not all heart ailments come with warning signs. It is very difficult to tell what’s happening inside your heart. There are some symptoms that won’t even occur in your chest. If you are not sure about it then it is the right time to consult your doctor especially if you are more than 60 and overweight or suffering from hypertension or high cholesterol. Apart from this, there are 6 warning or red signals that indicate a Heart Attack.

• Unusual chest pain or discomfort.
• Pain in arms, back, neck, and jaws.
• Heartburn.
• Lightheadedness, nausea, shortness of breath.
• Cold sweat.
• Extremely tired.

There are certain tests (ECG) and symptoms that help in diagnosing a Heart Attack. If a Heart Attack is suspected then you will be immediately admitted to the hospital under observation.

Aspirin helps in maintaining blood flow through a narrowed artery by reducing blood clotting. Thrombolytics dissolve the blood clot that’s blocking blood flow to your heart. Consumption of this drug in time increases your chances of surviving the heart attack. Antiplatelet agents prevent existing blood clots from becoming larger and also stop the formation of new clots. Morphine helps you deal with the pain and discomfort. Nitroglycerin widens the blood vessels thus, improving the blood flow to the heart. Medications are not enough to deal with a heart attack. In addition to medications, you may have to undergo surgeries. Coronary angioplasty and stenting is done immediately after a heart attack. A long thin tube called catheter is passed through an artery in your leg or groin to a blocked artery in your heart. To restore blood flow to the heart, a metal mesh stent is inserted into the artery to keep it open. In some cases, one may need to go for bypass surgery. Veins and arteries are sewed in a place away from blocked or narrowed coronary artery. This allows the blood to bypass the narrowed section and reach the heart. You may remain in the hospital for several days if you have a bypass surgery.

If you are going through acute chest pain, strange tightness in arms, shoulders and legs, sudden and huge amount of sweating, shortness of breath or light headedness; you must rush for medical help.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is the most common reason for chest pains. Do not confuse these pains with heart attack.

Surgeries may have side effects like mild weakness and pain in body for a few days.

You must stay away from alcohol and tobacco. Control your blood and sugar levels. Make sure that your diet is very healthy consisting of proteins, whole grains, fish and beans. Make regular appointments with your doctor to keep a check on your improvement. Maintain your body weight and exercise regularly.

You may have to remain in the hospital for 5-7 days. It may take a few weeks for you to resume your routine activities to the fullest.

The cost of a bypass surgery ranges from ₹150000- ₹400000. Coronary angioplasty and stenting can cost ₹100000- ₹300000.

The results of the treatment are permanent if proper care is taken.

There are no alternatives to the treatment.