Heart Attack Treatment

A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked. The blockage is most often a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances, which form a plaque in the arteries that feed the heart (coronary arteries).

Sometimes, a plaque can rupture and form a clot that blocks blood flow. The interrupted blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, can be fatal, but treatment has improved dramatically over the years. It's crucial to call 911 or emergency medical help if you think you might be having a heart attack.

• Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, tightness, squeezing, or pain in your chest or arm or below your breastbone.
• Discomfort that goes into your back, jaw, throat, or arm.
• Fullness, indigestion, or a choking feeling (it may feel like heartburn)
• Sweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizziness
• Severe weakness, anxiety, fatigue, or shortness of breath
• Fast or uneven heartbeat

You will already receive the information in your admission letter on how to prepare yourself for the procedure. Blood tests are done to assess the fitness for the procedure. The access sites (groin and the wrist) regions are shaved and prepared for the angiography procedure. Our doctors will explain to you the procedure in detail and discuss any questions that you might be having, and will also ask you for signing a consent form for taking permission to have your angiogram. If you have any medical problems then make sure to inform the doctors.

Angiography and angioplasty complications are extremely rare. A detailed list of possible complications is provided in the consent form. Please go through the consent form in detail and if have any doubt, please ask the doctor for clarification. To have an allergic reaction to the contrast is extremely unusual. If you have any allergies please remember to inform the radiologist before the procedure is started. You can start eating and drinking as normal after the procedure once you feel like it. Angiography procedure requires at least 6 hours of hospitalization post procedure. However for monitoring purpose the patient is often kept admitted overnight. Angioplasty procedure requires ICU monitoring for 24 hours and then mobilization and monitoring in ward for another 12 to 24 hours.

• Best Cardiologist for Heart Failure in South Mumbai