Acute Heart Attack

Having a heart attack may not always be intense, as their signs can be subtle and different from what most people typically imagine. However, regular check-ups can reduce or eliminate the risk of getting a heart attack, whereas early medical care can help mitigate the devastating impact, restore blood flow, prevent the heart from further damage and survive a heart attack.   

A heart attack, technically known as acute myocardial infarction, is a life-threatening condition that arises when blood flow to the heart muscle is abruptly obstructed due to the blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries. A blockage occurs due to a buildup of plaque over a period of time, resulting in severe damage to the heart tissue. The plaque is usually composed of fat, cholesterol, and cellular waste products.

The heart attack may manifest with sudden severe chest pain traveling to the left hand, jaw, or to the back, accompanied by sweating and weakness that can cause the patient to collapse and become unresponsive. The risk of heart damage can be reduced if the heart attack symptoms are recognized and treated early. This is why, if you or your loved one is having a heart attack, your prime responsibility is to get to the nearest hospital for emergence medical care. We, at American Hospital Dubai, provide a world-class cardiac care emergency service in the heart of Dubai, where you can trust our doctors for preventive treatments. 

While at our emergency care unit, you can expect:

• Cardiologists on call
• Diagnostic and screening tests
• Non-invasive cardiology and preventive care
• A full range of treatment options from medication through surgeries to counseling

Symptoms of Acute Heart Attack:

Some of the certain signs that indicate a person is having an acute heart attack are:

• Chest pain often described as heaviness, tightness or pressure
• Pain or discomfort in the upper body including jaw, arm, back
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating or cold sweat
• Nausea, indigestion, or heartburn
• Light-headedness and dizziness
• Extreme weakness
• Irregular heartbeats
• Fatigue

If you or someone around you experiences the above-listed symptoms, do not wait for your symptoms to go away, but rather seek medical help immediately. Even if you’re unsure that you may be having a heart attack, your symptoms may still require to be evaluated by a cardiac-care specialist.

Causes of an Acute Heart Attack:

Since the unwanted buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) in the arteries restricts blood flow to the heart, there are certain factors that put an individual at great risk for getting an acute heart attack:

• Age factor, as men aged 45 or older and women aged 55 or older are more likely to have a heart attack
• Direct or passive smoking
• High blood pressure
• Obesity, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes
• Metabolic syndrome
• A family history of heart attacks
• Lack of physical activity
• Stress
• Excessive consumption of banned or Illicit drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines
• A history of preeclampsia
• An autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

Diagnosis and Treatment of an Acute Heart Attack:

In order to determine or confirm that an individual has had a heart attack and identify what areas of arteries are causing serious threats to the regular functioning of a heart, the doctor evaluates the heartbeat and blood pressure for possible abnormalities and conducts a series of diagnostic tests such as:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Blood tests
• Stress test
• Angiogram with coronary catheterization, and
• Echocardiogram etc.

Heart attacks call for immediate medical attention, so most treatments begin in the emergency room. A number of different medications may be used to control symptoms and improve the condition. If proven ineffective, the doctor may advise on the advanced treatment options including surgery, angioplasty, stenting, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and others based on the heart condition and overall health of the patient.

Book an Appointment:

To reduce risk or survive a heart attack, we emphasize the need for adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle. For this, your cardiac care team at American Hospital Dubai Cardiology can help you achieve your goals and uplift the heart health through comprehensive treatment plans and preventive measures.

Whether you suffer a heart attack and need emergency care or look for a trusted Cardiologist for regular checkups, we encourage you to book an appointment with our cardiac-care Specialists at American Hospital Dubai and let us take care of your heart.