How to detect the onset of a heart attack?

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Extract from the article: Myocardial infarction is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. It is therefore important to know the symptoms, from the most typical to the least suspected, in order to be taken care of quickly in case of an attack and thus improve the prog

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Myocardial infarction is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases. It is therefore important to know the symptoms, from the most typical to the least suspected, in order to be taken care of quickly in case of an attack and thus improve the prognosis.

Among the most common causes of death from cardiovascular disease is myocardial infarction, more commonly known as heart attack. But what exactly does this mean? A heart attack is the blockage of one or more coronary arteries, which are the arteries that feed the heart. The heart is no longer supplied with blood and oxygen. This obstruction results, in the vast majority of cases, from the rupture of an atheromatous plaque, corresponding to the development of fats on the artery walls. If adults are almost all carriers of atheromatous plaques, certain factors accelerate their occurrence and thus make them more at risk of heart attack, such as tobacco, high blood pressure, diabetes, excess of animal fats, overweight and obesity.

A heart attack without symptoms?

In the majority of heart attack cases, the presence of more or less typical symptoms can be a warning sign. But there are heart attacks that go unnoticed because of the absence of warning signs: this is what is called the silent infarction or asymptomatic infarction. It is often observed in people with diabetes, as they have very little pain. A reduced perception of symptoms that may be due to a complication of diabetes: in fact, diabetic neuropathy is a pathology that affects the nerves of the body and significantly disrupts sensitivity to pain.

So how can it be detected? On the occasion of an electrocardiogram. Hence the importance of regular cardiological monitoring for people at risk.

Long-term management

No matter what form it takes, a heart attack is a vital emergency since 10% of victims die within the hour. If symptoms are more or less clear, there is only one thing to do: act quickly to improve the prognosis.

Measures to reduce recurrence

But management does not stop there, because the risks of recurrence and complications are present. In order to reduce these risks, it is imperative that a drug treatment, hygienic and dietary measures and regular medical follow-up be put in place. After the infarction, the patient will be discharged with several types of medication. In a second phase, he will be asked to stop smoking, control his fat, blood pressure and diabetes. They will be asked to eat as healthily as possible: their diet must be healthy, varied and balanced, based on fruits and vegetables. Limit salt, sugar and fat. In addition, it is advisable to practice a regular and adapted physical activity. If cardiac re-education is recommended, few patients follow the sessions: only a few of them go through rehabilitation.

Jean ELI

Source : « Doctissimo »