UNDERSTANDING HEART ATTACK FOR THE LAYPERSON
The image above shows someone who is getting ready for work and suddenly starts to have chest pain. He manages to call 911 for help and is transported to the Emergency Room by trained personnel like paramedics. Oxygen, IV site, Nitroglycerin ( under the tongue) and ASA would include some of the interventions. In the Emergency Room a doctor would examine the patient and an EKG, blood work and more, would be ordered. Understanding heart attack The term heart attack is commonly used by both medical and laypersons. There is a lot more to this term than is told. A heart attack in medical terms is known as a myocardial infarction. Understanding heart function The heart is a pump which pumps blood all around the body. The heart pumps blood via arteries and veins. If there is any obstruction to blood flow, like a clot forming in a blood vessel that supplies the heart with blood, a myocardial infa