It is a team used to define heart pain which occurs
due to reduction of blood supply to the heart.
Patients feels compressive or burning or 'gas-like'
or heaviness in chest, precipitated by stress or
exercise and relieved by rest or nitroglycerine. This
pain may spread to left or right arm, lower jaw, neck,
back or upper abdomen and usually lasts for 2 to 10
minutes.
What is Heart Attack ?
When angina is prolonged for more than 30 minutes, it may
suggest onset of a heart attack.
This occurs due to complete stoppage of blood supply to some
parts of heart.
What Should you do during
suspected heart attack ?
Try to reach the nearest hospital which has an intensive
care unit (ICU) and preferably, a fully equipped Cardiology
Department.
Take Aspirin (150 - 300 mg) orally and keep a Nitroglyceride
tablet below your tongue.
Get your Electrocardiogram (ECG) done : If it confirms onset
of heart attack, there are two options : if patient reaches the
hospital within 12 hours.
A. Medical Therapy : To administer blood clot dissolving
drug (Streptokinase or Urokinase) SUCCESS RATE : 60%
B.Primary Angioplasty : Whenever suitable, heart attack is
actually prevented or limited by performing emergency
angioplasty (Opening of blocked blood vessel by balloon without
surgery). SUCCESS RATE : 95%
(As per American Heart Association's guidelines, primary
angioplasty is preferable in view of high success rate, better
chance of survival and less chances of complications.)
How to prevent heart
attacks ?
DO'S
Exercise regularly : 30 - 45 minutes, 5 days a week.
Maintain ideal body weight.
Eat green vegetables, fruits, whole meal bread,
whole grain cereals, raw sugar, unprocessed cheese, low
fat food and skimmed milk.
Practise yoga, meditations or mental relaxation
regularly.
Keep your BP < 130 / 85 mm HG.
Keep your S. Cholesterol < 200 mg%, LDL < 100 mg%,
TG < 140 mg% and HDL > 45 mg%
DONT'S
Stop smoking and tobacco intake in any form.
Avoid excess salt intake.
Avoid high fat food, processed food, over-refined
breakfast cereals, white bread, white sugar, full cream
milk, excess oil and fried foods.