2024-07-10
5 Mins Read
Modern life moves at a rapid pace, and people often find themselves under constant stress and pressure. Combined with poor lifestyle habits, this has led to a yearly increase in the incidence of heart attacks worldwide. In Hong Kong, heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death.
A heart attack is an acute and severe heart condition that can cause permanent damage to heart tissue and even lead to death. In this episode, I will walk you through the causes and symptoms of a heart attack, teach you correct countermeasures, and outline preventative measures. Not only increase your survival chances, but also reduce the risk of long-term complications.
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when part of the heart muscle dies due to a lack of blood supply, usually caused by a blockage in the coronary artery, which is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the heart. When atheromas accumulates in the coronary artery and rupture, they form blood clots that block the arteries. This blockage cuts off the blood supply, leading to oxygen deprivation and death of the heart muscle, resulting in a heart attack.
Causes of a heart attack
Symptoms of a heart attack
1. Chest pain and tightness
The most typical symptom is chest pain and tightness. Patients usually feel a pressing or squeezing sensation behind the breastbone, which can radiate to the left shoulder, left arm, back, neck, or jaw. This pain often lasts for several minutes and does not completely subside by rest or nitroglycerin.
2. Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath is another common symptom. Patients may feel breathless or suffocated, especially after physical activity or when lying down. This occurs because the heart attack impairs the heart's pumping function, leading to inadequate blood supply, and breathing difficulties.
3. Angina
Angina is a manifestation of myocardial ischemia, which is similar to heart attack pain but usually shorter in duration. It can be relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Angina typically occurs during exertion or emotional stress and is an important warning sign of a heart attack.
4. Other symptoms
Acute heart attacks can cause varying degrees of damage to the heart, leading to myocardial necrosis and functional failure. This can increase the risk of chronic heart failure, arrhythmias, and stroke. Therefore, recognising the warning signs early and seeking medical attention promptly can significantly reduce the long-term damage.
What to do in a heart emergency
When a heart attack occurs, it is just like a race against time. The sooner treatment is received, the less damage caused by blocked blood vessels in the heart. In addition to reducing complications and improving better prognosis, proper treatment can also increase the chance of saving a life. Therefore, knowing the correct countermeasures during a heart attack can help you seize the critical rescue time to minimise damage to the heart.
When you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, you should stop all activities immediately to avoid worsening the condition. At the same time, immediately notify nearby pedestrians or family members to call the emergency services for an ambulance. It is recommended to sit or remain half-lying to wait for rescue.
What to avoid in a heart emergency
Understanding the correct countermeasures are crucial during a heart attack. Incorrect actions can worsen the condition and delay treatment. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
1. Hitting the inner end of the elbow
Some believe that hitting the inner bend of the elbow can stimulate acupoints and relieve symptoms during heat attack. However, this method is lack of scientific basis and delay timely medical intervention.
2. Forceful coughing
It’s believed that forceful coughing can help the heart pump blood by increasing chest pressure. However, this is not a reliable technique in practice and may increase the heart's workload. It may worsen the ischemia and cannot fundamentally solve the problem causing the heart attack.
3. Hitting or massaging the chest
Some think hitting or massaging the chest can relieve symptoms. This can actually cause further harm, increasing pain and causing chest injuries without restoring blood flow.
Preventing heart attack
An international study suggests that 90% of heart attack cases are due to nine modifiable behavioral and biomedical risk factors. Improving lifestyle habits can greatly reduce the risk.
1. Healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is an important step in preventing heart attacks, as it helps control weight, lower blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels.
2. Regular exercise
Regular exercise is crucial for heart health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise weekly such as brisk walking, jogging, or swimming. Exercise helps control weight, improves cardiovascular function and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
3. Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attack. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, alcohol intake should be kept within appropriate limits, as excessive drinking can raise blood pressure and harm heart health.
4. Regular health checks
Regular health checks are essential for heart attack prevention. They help detect and manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and other risk factors early. Annual comprehensive health checks are recommended, especially for those with a family history of cardiovascular diseases, using ECGs, stress tests, and echocardiograms for early diagnosis and treatment.
Combine immediate treatment with prevention to avoid heart attacks
Each heart attack damages heart function, causing irreversible harm and serious consequences, even death. Heart attacks are emergencies, and the sooner you recognise the symptoms and seek medical help, the better the chances of a positive outcome. In addition to the correct countermeasures, preventing heart attack is equally important. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly lower the risk of heart attacks, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol, along with regular health checks.
Currently, there are critical illness insurance plans available that cover not only major illnesses and minor illnesses, but also early risk conditions. This allows you to take advantage of critical treatment opportunities in the early stages. After reading this article, I hope we can all take steps to stay away from the threats of heart attacks and enjoy healthy and happy lives.
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The above content is reviewed by Dr Alexander Chiu - Chief Medical Officer of AXA Hong Kong and Macau.
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