PRIMARY ANGIOPLASTY: THE EFFECTIVE FIRST LINE OF TREATMENT DURING A HEART ATTACK

PRIMARY ANGIOPLASTY: THE EFFECTIVE FIRST LINE OF TREATMENT DURING A HEART ATTACK

Doctors at a city hospital laud the success rates of primary angioplasty, and speak about having a cost effective plan in place. Leena Mudbidri finds out

The more we read about heart disease, the more anxious we get, especially if we have someone dear to us suffering from a heart condition. While cardiac screening tests can reveal signs of heart disease leading to prompt action and timely treatment there are times when a heart attack occurs without any symptoms. In such times, knowing more about angioplasty, and why it has become the first and definitive line of treatment, helps.

HOW A HEART ATTACK HAPPENS

A heart attack occurs if the flow of oxygen-rich blood to a section of heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked. If blood flow is not restored quickly, the section of heart muscle begins to die. Without quick treatment, a heart attack can lead to serious problems and even death.

Coronary heart disease or coronary artery disease (CAD) is a condition in which plaque builds up inside the coronary arteries which supply oxygen-rich blood to heart muscle. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood. The buildup of plaque occurs over many years. Eventually, an area of plaque can rupture causing a blood clot to form on the surface of the plaque. If the clot becomes large enough, it can mostly or completely block blood flow through a coronary artery. If the flow of oxygen – rich blood to your heart muscle is reduced or blocked, angina or a heart attack may occur.

Over time, Coronary Heart Disease can weaken the heart muscle and lead to heart failure and arrhythmias. Heart failure and arrhythmias. Heart failure is a condition in which your heart cannot pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat.

Signs of Heart Attack

Warning signs can vary from persons to persons and may not always be sudden or serve. Although chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom of a heart attack, some people will not experience chest pain at all, while others will experience only mild chest pain or discomfort.

The one common advice during all heart attacks is, the sooner you receive treatment, and the less damage will be done to the heart muscle.

     · Chest pain that may spread to other parts of the upper body. Sharp and stabbing sensation is generally less associated with a heart attack

     · Discomfort or pain in and around one or both of your shoulder.

     · Chocking or burning feeling in the throat

      ·   Discomfort, pain, heaviness or uselessness in one or both arms, numbness or tingling in the arm(s)

       · An ache or tightness in and around the lower jaw on either one or both sides.                                                                                                            

 · Feeling of nausea, dizziness, cold sweat, and shortness of breath 

Thank You,

TIMES OF INDIA 26-AUGUST-2012