Very nearly 14 million Americans have a background marked by respiratory failure or angina. In the United States, it is now one of the leading causes of death. Every year, more than one million Americans suffer from heart attacks.
The heart muscle is permanently damaged in a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction (MI).” Myo” means muscle, “cardinal” means the heart, and “infarction” means that tissue dies because there isn’t enough blood.
The heart’s blood supplies the entire body with nutrients and energy. The oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood that flows through the coronary arteries supply the heart with the constant energy it needs. A blockage in the coronary veins forestalls the bloodstream and causes the heart muscle to starve.
Ischemia is the medical term for such starvation, which is accompanied by chest pain known as angina. Some of the heart muscle dies if there is a significant blockage. The point when the heart muscle kicks the bucket is known as respiratory failure or myocardial dead tissue.
Fortunately, acute heart attacks can already be treated medically. To stop such an attack from happening again, preventative measures have been identified, and they are currently being taught. The medications known as beta blockers are used to lower blood pressure and heart rate.
These can be administered orally or through an intravenous (IV) line. If a person is having a heart attack, they use a facemask or nose plugs to get oxygen. If breathing is difficult or the blood lacks oxygen, this is helpful.
A common treatment for blood clotting is aspirin. It prevents platelets from sticking together, which is how it works. Plavix (clopidogrel) is an extra platelet blocker given to those having respiratory failure. Plavix and aspirin are both oral medications.
The intravenous administration of clotting inhibitors like heparin, lovenox, and 2B3A can help alleviate the blockage. A statin, or cholesterol pill, is much of the time given to those having a coronary episode. This also can settle a blockage and keep it from deteriorating. Nitroglycerine can decrease chest pain.
This can be given in a variety of ways, including an IV, a paste on the chest, or a pill that dissolves under the tongue. Nitroglycerine aids in the dilation of the coronary arteries, allowing for increased blood flow. Another medication to control chest pain and reduce anxiety is morphine.
While these medications are effective at stabilizing a blockage, they are not very good at removing an existing blockage. Thrombolytics or “clot buster” medications accomplish this. A medicine called T-PA (tissue plasminogen activator) or something similar can break up a blockage and get the blood flowing again. On the other hand, this should be possible with an inflatable and stent method by a cardiologist.
There are, however, practical ways to lower your risk of having a heart attack. When compared to people who lead less healthy lifestyles, those who consume at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, exercise for at least 2.5 hours per week, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking can reduce their risk of heart disease by 35% and their risk of death by 40%.
Even in their 50s and 60s, people who eat a well-balanced diet and exercise more can significantly lower their risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The majority of experts concur that a healthy lifestyle, such as eating well, exercising, and quitting smoking, can reduce the overall risk of heart disease by 80%. Indeed, adopting a lifestyle that is good for the heart makes a difference.
