Heart attack: Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment : Your online pharmacy selection

What is a heart attack and how does it manifest itself?

A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart is suddenly interrupted, causing damage to heart tissue. Typical symptoms include intense chest pain, often described as a feeling of pressure or tightness in the chest. This pain may radiate to other parts of the body, such as the arms, back, jaw, neck or stomach. Other signs may include shortness of breath, nausea, excessive sweating and a general feeling of discomfort.

What are the main causes of a heart attack?

The causes of a heart attack are generally linked to cardiovascular disease. The most common isatherosclerosis, a process whereby plaques of lipids, cholesterol and other substances build up in the coronary arteries. These plaques can rupture, forming a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the heart. Other risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise and heredity.

How can a heart attack be prevented?

Preventing a heart attack relies primarily on managing risk factors. This can include:

• Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables and whole grains, and low in saturated fats and cholesterol.
• Regular physical activity, recommended at 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
• Stop smoking, as it significantly increases the risk of heart attack.
• Control other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

What treatments are available for heart attacks?

Treatment for a heart attack must be administered rapidly to restore blood flow to the heart and minimize tissue damage. Treatment options include:

• Thrombolytic drugs that dissolve blood clots.
• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a procedure that uses a balloon to open blocked arteries.
• Bypass surgery, which creates an alternative path for blood to bypass the blocked section of artery.
• Medications such as antiplatelet agents, beta-blockers and statins, which help stabilize plaque, reduce the heart's workload and lower cholesterol.

What to do in the event of heart attack symptoms?

In the event ofheart attack symptoms, immediate action is crucial:

1. Call emergency medical services immediately.
2. Try to stay calm and avoid physical activity.
3. If possible, take an aspirin tablet, unless medically contraindicated, as this can help reduce clot formation.
4. Wait for help to arrive in a semi-seated position, avoiding lying down completely.