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 infarction
may occur. 
                                    How does this happen?
The clot formation can cause death to the heart muscle immediately surrounding
the blood vessel. As the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, shortness of breath
and chest pain ensues. If there is increased activity such as exercise, the chest pain
may be very severe.
Angina pectoris is the medical name for chest pain. Prinzmetal angina is a type of
angina that may occur at rest. Nitroglycerin is usually ordered by the doctor for angina.
This drug is given via various routes; under the tongue, in a spray, topically and IV.
It may cause a person to become hypotensive ( low blood pressure).
Hope this has been of some help to the layperson.

Always consult your doctor for more information.


 

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