About this topic
A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is blocked. This is most often from either fatty deposits or blood clots. The heart does not get enough blood with oxygen when the blood vessel or artery that feeds the heart muscle is blocked. Part of the heart muscle will die if there is lack of blood supply. When part of the heart muscle dies, it is called a heart attack. ‚
Heart attack treatments work best when given right away. Some people are treated with drugs. Others need special heart procedures or surgery. Your doctor will choose the best treatment for you. ‚
The signs of heart disease in women are not as certain as signs in men. Women are less likely to feel chest pain than men. Women may complain of: ‚
- Lack of energy or feeling very tired is the most common sign.
- Not being able to sleep
- Shortness of breath
- Trouble breathing
- Burning feeling in the belly or heartburn
- Weakness in the arms
- Dizziness and weakness
- Upset stomach or throwing up
- Cold sweats
- Neck pain that may spread to the arms
- Chest discomfort
If you have some of these signs, you may be having a heart attack. Go to the ER right away. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what you need to do.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Your doctor may give you drugs to treat any chest pain you have. Always keep these drugs with you. Early treatment of the signs of heart attack may prevent another heart attack.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your condition needs to be watched closely. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep your visits.
- You doctor may have you see a specialist. You may need to see a heart doctor called a cardiologist. You may also need to have rehab to get your strength back.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Lower your blood pressure if high
- Prevent or break up blood clots
- Control your heartbeat
- Lower cholesterol levels in your blood
- Help with pain and help you relax
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
- You will have to limit your activities at first. You will be able to slowly add activities to normal levels. Sometimes you will become even more active than you were before the heart attack. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
What changes to diet are needed?
Eating a healthy diet is important. Ask to see a dietitian for help with a plan that is right for you. In general, eating healthy means: ‚
- Eat whole grain foods and foods high in fiber.
- Choose many different fruits and vegetables. Fresh or frozen is best.
- Cut back on solid fats like butter or margarine. Eat less fatty or processed foods.
- Eat more low-fat or lean meats like chicken, fish, or turkey. Eat less beef and pork.
- Limit beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol).
- Avoid caffeine.
What problems could happen?
- Heart failure
- Irregular beating of the heart
- Kidney failure
- Brain damage
- Shock
- Death
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep a normal weight. If you are too heavy, lose weight.
- Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar under control.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can harm your heart, stomach, and lungs.
- Exercise regularly. Thirty minutes of exercise, like fast walking, every day will help keep your heart healthy.
When do I need to call the doctor?
Activate the emergency medical system right away if you have signs of a heart attack. Call 911 in the United States or Canada. The sooner treatment begins, the better your chances for recovery. Call for emergency help right away if you have: ‚
- Signs of heart attack:
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing
- Fast heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy
Call your doctor if you have: ‚
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills
Helpful tips
- Try to reduce stress by learning a few ways to relax or learn an exercise routine.
- Walking is the best form of exercise. Walk, rather than drive, to nearby places.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you when I can go back to my normal activities.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of a heart attack or stroke.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@adv/documents/downloadable/ucm_302256.pdf ‚
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack/Heart-Attack-Symptoms-in-Women_UCM_436448_Article.jsp ‚
Heart Healthy Women ‚
http://www.hearthealthywomen.org/signs-symptoms/featured/heart-disease-signs.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚