A heart attack can be described as a medical emergency whereby the heart’s supply of blood is blocked. This block is often brought about by a blood clot that may develop in the blood vessels. Heart attacks are also known as coronary thrombosis, cardiac infarction, or even myocardial infarction since an infraction is defined as a situation where there is no blood supply to an area which results in the tissue dying off. Furthermore, a heart attack can be confused with cardiac arrest even though cardiac arrest is a situation whereby the heart stops pumping blood to the body. Cardiac arrests are medical emergencies that are often caused by heart attacks (Nordqvist, 2017).
Causes
There are some risk factors which may cause heart attacks when more than one element are combined. The first risk factor is age whereby men over the age of 45 and women above 55 years old have a higher likelihood of experiencing a heart attack. Furthermore, individuals who have diabetes or whose diets are not balanced have a higher chance of suffering from a heart attack. For example; food which contains a higher cholesterol intake has a higher chance where their blood vessels may be blocked leading to heart attack.
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A person who has experienced the previous attack or who experiences Angina which is a chest pain that is as a result of low blood or oxygen supply to the heart has a higher chance of suffering from heart attacks. Furthermore, people who are obese or the smokers have a higher risk of suffering from heart attack. In addition, patients with medical conditions such as hypertension, HIV or have undergone heart surgeries in the past have a higher chance of suffering from heart attacks. People who have stressful occupations or those who work in shifts have a higher chance of suffering from heart attacks. Being physically inactive also poses as a higher risk factor for heart attack as compared to being physically active. Finally, a person can also inherit a higher risk of heart attack from their family genetics.
The difference of Heart Attacks in women and Men
Although, both men and women experience similar symptoms of heart attacks, some signs are more likely to occur in females than males. Both women and men experience symptoms such as squeezing pain or pressure in their chests, sweating, dizziness, tightness in their chests and shortness of breath. Furthermore, both men and women may experience pain that spreads to their jaws, neck, shoulders or even arms. They may also experience indigestion which may or may not result in nausea and vomiting or heartburn. Finally, both men and women may experience a sudden loss of consciousness or sudden dizziness as a symptom of heart attack. On the other hand, females are more likely to experience nausea or dizziness, gas-like pain or indigestion and discomfort between the shoulder blades. They may further experience weakness or fatigue that is unexplained and sudden, chest discomfort that is recurring and even an impending sense of doom (Davis, 2005).
Diagnosis
In case of suspicion that an individual is at risk of suffering from a heart attack, the patient will be sent to the hospital where they will be diagnosed through various tests and scans. Such checks and scans include a cardiac enzyme test, an electrocardiograph (ECG) or even an X-ray of the chest.
Prevention
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the most effective ways of preventing heart attacks. A healthy lifestyle can be achieved through physical exercise, eating a healthy and balanced diet, adequate sleeping patterns and avoid behaviors such as smoking as well as maintaining a low level of alcohol intake. Furthermore, ensuring that diabetes is always regulated, keeping a healthy weight of the body and also adjusting the blood cholesterol levels to optimum levels will be useful in preventing heart attacks. Individuals should also ensure that the blood pressure is at a safe level as well as avoid stress and learn how to manage certain stress. Finally, being aware of the warning signs in both men and women will be helpful since one can be able to identify the symptoms and seek medical stage before a heart attack occurs.
Treatment
In case a person has a heart attack, fast treatment is necessary to increase the chances of them recovering. Therefore, an individual should be rushed to the hospital when they suffer from heart attack. A patient may stop breathing during a heart attack and may require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) which consists of chest compressions or a defibrillator to help their heart to start beating and get them to start breathing again (Nordqvist, 2017). After a heart attack, the patient may require more than a few types of medication which will try to reduce the chances of a heart attack occurring in the future. Some of these drugs are beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angioplasty, and statins. Furthermore, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), as well as anti-platelets such as aspirins, may be administered to a patient after a heart attack (Nordqvist, 2017).
Conclusion
A heart attack is a severe condition which differs and can lead to cardiac arrest. The risk factors for heart attack are nausea or vomiting, crushing chest pain, shortness of breath. Women have additional symptoms that differ from the general symptoms which both men and women experience. Additionally, a heart attack can primarily be prevented through maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes the right body weight, balanced diet, avoiding and managing stress as well as adhering to the required medical regulations concerning diabetes and hypertension.
References
Davis, J. L. (2005, February 15). Women's Heart Attacks: How They Differ. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/features/womens-heart-attacks-how-they-differ
Nordqvist, C. (2017, July 26). Heart attack: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151444.php
