(also referred to as...) Myocardial Infarction
Description A heart attack is a potentially deadly manifestation of cardiovascular disease -- the single greatest killer in North America. It is responsible for more than one third of all deaths in the continent. The technical term for heart attack is myocardial infarction, meaning literally: death of heart tissue due to a lack of blood (myocardial=heart tissue, infarction=tissue death due to a lack of blood). To be more precise, it is the lack of oxygen, carried by the bloodstream, that results in the death of heart tissue. A heart attack occurs when that oxygenated blood cannot be delivered to a certain part of your heart. Although your heart is responsible for supplying blood to every other part of your body, it too must be fed. The oxygen deprivation is caused by a blockage in one or more of your coronary arteries -- the direct suppliers of blood to your heart. Unfortunately, your other arteries cannot supply this missing oxygen. Each coronary artery supplies a particular area of the heart with blood, and no more. If one of these arteries fails to deliver, there is no backup plan; the portion of the heart fed by that artery starves, and if the blood supply is not quickly restored, the muscle tissue in that area dies and is lost for life. A major heart attack will kill one out of three of its victims.
Symptoms and Signs: Heart attacks are virtually always accompanied by preceding symptoms. However, many people do not suspect that the warning signs of a heart attack are serious, especially if it is their first bout of heart trouble. Many others, too proud to burden family members or friends to seek emergency help, deny what is happening. Common symptoms include uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, or pain in the centre of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes. This pain may fade and then return. A common misconception is that heart attack symptoms are acute and easy to distinguish. Although many people experience such sensations, in many other cases, it takes several hours before a realization sets in that something is wrong. In fact, some people may not feel anything at all, living normally for years without being aware of the damage to their hearts. This event is generally referred to as a "silent" heart attack (although the damage to heart muscle in such cases is usually relatively minor). Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck, and left arm are also indications of a heart attack. Dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, shortness of breath, or anxiety often accompany the pain. A heart attack is often confused with a panic, or anxiety, attack. Despite the difference of severity between the two events, heart attacks and anxiety attacks share some of the same characteristics. As a result, many people having a heart attack fail to react in time, thinking that their physical symptoms are anxiety driven. The two main differences are outlined below - Anxiety attacks often have symptoms that are difficult to pinpoint -- pain or discomfort is felt but is generally not concentrated in a specific area. Heart attacks, on the other hand, usually produce a distinct pressure or pain (although not always) in your chest or left arm.
- Discomfort associated with anxiety attacks, no matter how frightening, usually does not last long. A distinguishing characteristic of a heart attack however, is that the pain lasts for a substantial amount of time.
Causes: Physical Causes The blockage of a coronary artery is usually caused by atherosclerosis, a form of coronary heart disease characterized by a buildup of fatty deposits along the inner walls of the arteries. Atherosclerosis is largely a disease of lifestyle and diet, i.e., a disease that can be prevented. Artery walls thicken and the passageways constrict, leading to a heightened possibility that an artery becomes completely blocked. This prevents the flow of oxygenated blood to your heart. The process is slow, usually as a result of a lifetime of poor eating and lifestyle habits, and takes several years before the "clogging" manifests into physical symptoms. Vasospasms can also cause myocardial infarction. A vasospasm is a spontaneous and tight constriction of a coronary artery that can lead to heart attack. Such cases are rare, though. No one is quite sure what causes this spontaneous condition. Although it occurs most often in arteries that are diseased by atherosclerosis, vasospasms can occur in healthy arteries as well. Excessive cold, a moment of severe emotional stress, or certain medications can trigger a vasospasm. Cocaine use is also linked to sudden contractions of blood vessels, increasing the chance of this form of heart attack. An episode of extreme hypertension (high blood pressure) can trigger a heart attack. Like vasospasm, this, too, is a rare occurrence.
The Risk Factors Unfortunately, some major risk factors for heart attack cannot be reversed. They are: a history of atherosclerosis in your family, increased age, and being male. "Being male" is not completely truthful. Heart attacks take the lives of just as many women as they do men. However, statistics show that men are susceptible to heart attack at a much younger age than women. Most major risk factors for heart attack can be controlled. If you smoke, have elevated blood cholesterol levels, have high blood pressure, are physically inactive, or have diabetes (which is often caused by being overweight), your chances of acquiring atherosclerosis rise dramatically. In fact, even if you have not touched one cigarette, your likelihood of being subject to a heart attack increases by eight times if you are physically inactive. Another risk factor of heart attack is your own history of heart trouble. Heart attack considerably weakens your heart, making you susceptible to further heart trouble.
What to Expect: A heart attack can be mild or severe. A mild heart attack, for the most part, involves only a small area of heart muscle that infarcts. A severe heart attack, which depends on the location of the blockage and the number of occlusions (blockages), involves a greater potion of heart tissue and is permanently damaging. Some people have collateral circulation, where certain parts of their hearts are supplied by two or more coronary arteries. Although this configuration can protect you from damage caused by an occlusion, most people's bodies are not equipped with collateral circulation. Simply put, a heart attack is a vicious assault on your body. A part of your heart has been destroyed that can never be replaced. Your heart must then adapt -- not only to replace the dead tissue with scar tissue, but to learn how to circulate blood throughout your body with a smaller, weakened, pumping system. This usually takes about eight weeks, but in the meantime, your chances of going into heart failure are high. Heart failure occurs when your blood backs up and pools into your lungs, making it difficult to breathe. As discussed earlier, a heart attack is most likely caused by atherosclerosis. If your arteries had restricted enough that a complete "clog" occurred, remember that your arteries remain diseased after the infarction. It is for this vital reason that you must drastically change your lifestyle and diet habits so that you can begin to reverse the course of the disease. Emotionally, a heart attack is a very traumatic experience. After all, it is life-threatening. A sense of fear is normal, as you may suspect that it may reoccur, or that every single twinge in your body is a symptom of possible recurrence. Anger is also common. You may be angry that this happened to you and especially angry that you are a "burden" to your family and loved ones. Depression is especially common for those who experience a heart attack. As a result of this assault on your body, you may think that your best days are behind you, amongst other worrisome ideas. Most people will experience mood swings and even more will experience an overall change in their emotional constitution -- the way they see the world around them. Although a heart attack is undoubtedly a life altering experience, many people use this opportunity to make the best of their situation, to make changes for the better.
Remedies
Antioxidants Green tea can provide protection against heart disease, as well as other illnesses and has strong antioxidant properties. Place 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves in one cup hot (not boiling) water and steep for 3 to 4 minutes. The longer the infusion, the more bitter green tea becomes. Boiling water destroys some of the beneficial elements of green tea. Allow the water to stop boiling before adding the leaves. Use a ceramic, glass, or earthenware mug. Drink 1 to 2 cups daily. If supplementing, take 250mg green tea extract daily. If choosing standardized extracts, look for preparations that contain 97% polyphenols. Grape seed extract is a powerful antioxidant and helps prevent heart disease. Take 150 to 300mg daily.
Herbs Cayenne is a powerful tonic. It stimulates the heart and promotes circulation of blood throughout the your body. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon dried herb to one cup hot water Hawthorn supports cardiovascular function. It helps increase the pumping force of your heart and eliminates arrhythmias. It also has a relaxing effect on your nervous system. Add 1 teaspoon berries or blossoms (or both) to 1 cup boiling water and infuse for 10 minutes. Take 3 times daily. Gotu kola, primrose, and rosemary are effective in reducing angina (chest pain associated with atherosclerosis). Mistletoe targets high blood pressure. NOTE: This herb is poisonous -- use only under the supervision of your heath care provider.
Lifestyle It cannot be stressed enough that you should seek emergency assistance immediately. Get someone to take you to the hospital as quickly as possible. In the precious few moments that occur between the onset of your heart attack and infarction of heart muscle, much can be done to save the heart tissue -- and your life -- if you react in time. Even if it turns out to be a false alarm, health care providers would rather see a dozen false calls than miss one person who doubted the occurrence of a heart attack and did not react in time. Eat a well balanced diet that is high in fibre. This is essential for rehabilitation from a heart attack or the overall prevention of heart disease. Fibre helps cleanse your system and aids in digestion, preventing buildup of the fatty tissues that cause atherosclerosis. Stay away from red meats, spicy foods, refined sugars, and junk foods. Refined sugars produce instability in blood sugar levels and can be dangerous. Do not smoke. Tobacco smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals and more than 50 have been identified as carcinogens. Some of the chemicals affect the cardiovascular system by directly or indirectly damaging arterial lining, thus promoting atherosclerosis. Furthermore, environmental tobacco smoke (second hand) has been found to contain greater concentrations of toxic chemicals, putting nonsmokers at risk as well. Smoking is arguably the most important risk factor in cardiovascular disease. Avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol has a toxic effect on the heart. Exercise. As mentioned above, being physically fit is linked to good cardiovascular health. However, if you have led a sedentary lifestyle, or if you have had heart trouble, consult your health care provider or fitness consultant to make sure that you follow an exercise program that is right for you. Heart attacks reduce your cardiovascular limits considerably, so you will have to take things slow at first. Relax. Heart attacks are more common in people who have type "A" personalities. Find ways to reduce stress and anxiety in your life. Your emotional well-being is directly linked to your physical health. And after all, a heart attack is an indication that serious lifestyle changes are needed, whether you like it or not. Do not hesitate to seek help from your friends and loved ones, who are there for you. Sometimes however, professional counseling may be needed. There are also many support groups for heart attack sufferers and their families.
Vitamins Coenzyme Q10 supports cardiovascular function. Take 100mg daily. Vitamin B-50 Complex is vital for heart muscle health and deficiencies have been linked to heart disease. Take 50mg 3 times daily. Vitamin E supports the cardiovascular system and improves circulation by thinning your blood. This reduces the risk of occlusion. Take 400 to 800 IU daily.
Actions and Remedy Listings
For More Information ... Heart and Stroke Foundation of B.C. & Yukon
1212 West Broadway
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6H 3V2 Toll-free: 1.800.693.8008 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta & N.W.T.
1825 Park Road S.E.
Calgary, Alberta
T2G 3Y6 Tel.: 403.264.5549 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan
279 - 3rd Avenue North
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 2H8 Toll-free: 1.800.565.9000 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba
301 - 352 Donald Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3B 2H8 Tel.: 204.949.2000 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario
1920 Yonge Street., 4th Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M4S 3E2 Tel.: 416.631.1557 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Quebec
465 René-Lévesque Blvd. West, 3rd Floor
Montreal, Quebec
H2Z 1A8 Tel.: 514.871.1551 Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick
340 - 110 Crown Street
Saint John, New Brunswick
E2L 2X7 Toll-free: 1.800.663.3600 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia
204 - 5523 Spring Garden Rd.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
B3J 3T1 Toll-free: 1.800.423.4432 Heart and Stroke Foundation of P.E.I.
40 Queen St., P.O. Box 279
Charlottetown, P.E.I.
C1A 7K4 Tel.: 902.892.7441 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador
169-173 Water Street, P.O. Box 5819
St. John's, Newfoundland
A1C 5X3 Tel.: 709.753.8521 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
222 Queen Street, Suite 1402
Ottawa, Ontario
K1P 5V9 t. 613.569.4361 Heart & Stroke Healthline Toll-free: 1.800.380.1557
See also Cardiovascular Disease
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