Saturday, July 18, 2009

HEART ATTACK

Why does it occur? (Pathophysiology)
Every tissue, muscle or body organ works spontaneously but it requires energy or oxygen for doing its own work which is supplied by blood via blood vessels. Similarly, heart works spontaneously and its muscles (myocardium) also require oxygen which is supplied by a group of arteries broadly known as Coronary Arteries. Whenever due to any cause these blood vessels are narrowed and there is disturbance in oxygen supply, there is lack of oxygen supply called ischemia and the disease is called Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) or Coronary Heart Disease or Coronary Artery Disease.

In later age if that condition or disease has been maltreated or untreated then that part of the heart muscle is dead. This condition is called infarction and the disease is called Myocardial Infarction. Whenever the part of the heart muscle is dead, the function of the heart is surely disturbed, the blood supply of the whole body is irregular and the patient may die.

Some factors that can cause the disease or may become risk factors for the patient.
Risk Factors
Heredity
Obesity
Diabetes
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol Level
Psychogenic Cause
Lack of Physical Activity or Exercise
Smoking
Menopause (Permanent stoppage of menses)
Cancer etc.

Symptoms
Chest pain is the most striking symptom of MI (Myocardial Infarction) with discomfort or breathlessness. The chest pain may extend to the left arm, left shoulder, neck and left side of the jaw may involve (Angina Pectoris). That pain is precipitated by exertion or other forms of stress and is promptly relieved by rest. Some patients find that the pain activates when they start walking. Sometimes restless, numbness, blue discoloration of the body parts, vertigo etc. may be found.

Investigations
For the investigations of MI the patient must consult to the Cardiologist as soon as possible. Physician can write down following tests according to the case.

Test may include:

Blood Examination

Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Exercise Stress Test
Echocardiogram
Nuclear Scan
Coronary Angiography
Electron Beam Computerized Tomography (EBCT)
Coronary CT Angiography
Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Doppler Sonography etc.
Health Management

-A careful assessment of the likely extent and severity of arterial disease.

-The identification and control of significant risk factors (e.g. smoking, hypertension etc.).
-Avoid or reduce the amount of salt (sodium).
-Eat a heart healthy diet – one that is low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and trans fat. Eat well balanced meal that are low in fat and cholesterol and include several daily servings of fruits and vegetables.
-Get regular exercise and maintain a healthy weight. If weight is considered normal, get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. If patient is overweight or obese, experts say he should get 60-90 minutes of exercise every day.
-Keep blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol under control.
-Stop smoking.
-Moderate amount of alcohol (1 drink a day for women, 2 for men) may reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems. However, drinking larger amounts does more harm than good.
-Medicines as directed by the physician and other special instructions.
-In emergency cases the patient must be admitted in hospital as soon as possible.

Linus Orakles

http://www.authorclub.info/

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