No one wants to have a heart attack. To take it a step further, no one even expects to have a heart attack. But the realities of life paint a whole other picture.

Over a million people will suffer from a heart attack this year. Of this amount, half will die. Fortunately, over ninety percent of the people who make it to the hospital will survive their heart attack. This is because medications can then be given that will treat the electrical disturbances in the heart. After that, you will be stabilized and your recovery will begin.
WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP IN THE RECOVERY PROCESS?

The first step is called “reperfusion.” It is a fancy word for opening up blocked arteries and restoring blood flow to the heart. If reperfusion takes place early on, damage to the heart muscle is minimized and the quality of life after the heart attack is greatly enhanced.

Once the blocked artery is opened and blood flow is increased, the heart attack will cease and the chest pain will end.

HOW DO DOCTORS OPEN UP THE BLOCKED ARTERY?

There are several methods.

· Medications - Clot-dissolving drugs or vasodilators are just two of the types of medications used.· Angioplasty - This is the process where a catheter with a balloon on the end is guided to the blocked site. It is then inflated. This pushes the clot and the plaque out of the way and opens up the artery.

· Bypass - This is a surgical procedure to open up the blocked artery. This is used in severe cases and is more likely to take place if more than one artery is blocked. Examples: Double bypass or triple bypass.

ONCE THE OBSTRUCTION IS CLEARED, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

A heart attack victim will remain in the hospital for at least three to six days so their condition can be monitored. They will be allowed to assist in their care taking and each day they will have more freedom. The first few days, the patient will be advised to move their arms and legs throughout the day. After that, short supervised walks may be taken and are even encouraged.

AT WHAT POINT CAN I EXPECT TO BE DISCHARGED?

Of course that depends on the severity of the heart attack. Some patients with mild heart attacks go home in less than five days while others remain in the hospital for a week or more.

WHAT KINDS OF TESTS WILL BE PERFORMED PRIOR TO DISCHARGE?

· Blood tests are done to check the levels of certain chemicals. Doctors can use these levels to determine the extent of damage that the heart suffered.

· A low-level stress test may be performed to guide the physician in prescribing the appropriate post-heart attack activities.

· An EKG will be performed to access heart function.

WHAT’S NEXT IN THE REHABILITATION PROCESS?

It’s important to realize that recovery from a heart attack takes time. For a minor heart attack, normal activities will need to be postponed for approximately two weeks. For a moderate heart attack, this is increased to four weeks, and for a severe heart attack, another two weeks is tacked on. This time is needed for the dead muscle to complete the scarring process. During this period, heavy lifting should be avoided as well as any activity that causes sweating or shortness of breath.

You will visit your physician frequently during this time. He will monitor your activity level, your heart function, and will provide information about when you can resume more normal activities such as work and sexual relations.

As time passes, a regular exercise program should be instituted. Some hospitals have special cardiac rehab facilities. Specially trained instructors will provide supervised exercise. They will monitor a heart attack survivor’s activity levels and make sure it is in the safe range.

WHAT KINDS OF LIFESTYLE CHANGES WILL NEED TO BE MADE?

· Diet will need to be modified-Cholesterol may need to be lowered and total fat intake should be reduced. If you are overweight, you should lose the excess pounds.· If you smoke, you will need to quit.

· Alcohol consumption may need to be reduced or eliminated.

· Diabetes or any underlying health problems should be resolved

· You should get regular exercise.

· You should try to lower the stress in your life.

CAN I PREVENT A HEART ATTACK FROM OCCURRING?

Doctors routinely prescribe beta blockers or aspirin therapy to prevent a second heart attack from occurring. This seems to be very effective. As a matter of fact, some physicians even advise their healthy patients to consume an aspirin every day or every other day to prevent a first heart attack from occurring. Do talk with your own doctor before undertaking this kind of therapy. It is not appropriate for everyone. It can increase the risk of bleeding and certain kinds of strokes in some individuals.

FURTHER ADVICE

Some people have a heart attack and don’t even recognize the symptoms. Other people let fear prevent them from getting the help they need. Be informed and seek early treatment. If you think you are having a heart attack, immediately take an aspirin. If it is a heart attack, the aspirin can help. If it isn’t a heart attack, the aspirin won’t hurt.

FINAL WORDS

Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a heart attack. They may save your life. Remember, the vast majority of people who make it to the hospital will survive their heart attack and will go on to lead full, productive lives.

SYMPTOMS OF AN IMPENDING HEART ATTACK

· Tightness in the chest· Shortness of breath

· Nausea

· Pain that radiates down the arm-usually the left one.

· Jaw pain-this may radiate to the teeth

· Cold perspiration

· Heart palpitations

· Intense stabbing pain in the chest

· Feeling of impending doom