'Heart Attack' When the heart fails not because of love, but due to an unforeseen disaster that can strike without warning, causing the heart to stop. Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) is still one of the most dangerous diseases that should be monitored even when one is in good health.
Acute Myocardial Infarction (Acute Coronary Syndrome: ACS), also known as a 'Heart Attack,' is a condition caused by a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle, which occurs due to a blockage in the coronary arteries. This blockage can result from three processes: the accumulation of fat in the arteries known as "plaque," the rupture or tearing of the plaque, and the formation of blood clots that block the arteries (Thrombosis).
Normally, the inner lining of the blood vessels helps prevent fat from accumulating and causing blockages. However, if the inner lining becomes damaged or degenerates, fat begins to build up along the artery walls, forming plaque—similar to rust forming in pipes—impeding the flow of blood to the heart muscle.
If the blockage exceeds 70% of the artery’s diameter, it will cause symptoms of ischemic heart disease. Illustration showing fat blocking the artery.
Patients often begin experiencing chest pain during physical exertion or feel easily fatigued. However, if the plaque ruptures or tears, the fat and other substances from the plaque can spread within the blood vessels, triggering the formation of a blood clot. If the chest pain becomes severe, it can lead to a heart attack and death within a short time, which is why this condition is referred to as a "Heart Attack."
High levels of stress, anger, or intense sadness can also trigger the rupture of plaque in the blood vessels, and this is often observed during the early morning hours.
Preventing Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) can be done through simple principles such as quitting smoking, reducing blood fats, and controlling blood pressure—especially in patients with hypertension. Managing blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, using blood-thinning medications, and certain blood pressure medications are also helpful. Additionally, reducing body weight can lower the risk of coronary artery disease.
The best treatment for a heart attack is to quickly transport the patient to the hospital for emergency care to open the blocked artery or dissolve the clot. If the blocked artery can be treated within six hours, the chances of survival are significantly higher.
When Acute Myocardial Infarction occurs, it is critical to get to the hospital as quickly as possible for coronary angioplasty or other procedures to reopen the blocked arteries.
