During a heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction), a blockage occurs in one or more coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. The blockage results in reduced blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle, leading to damage or death of that area.
While it is not possible to completely "stop" a heart attack while it's happening, immediate and appropriate medical intervention can significantly improve the chances of survival and minimize the extent of damage to the heart muscle. The main goal during a heart attack is to restore blood flow to the affected area of the heart as quickly as possible.
The standard treatment for a heart attack involves the following:
Call for emergency medical help immediately: If someone experiences symptoms of a heart attack, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, or jaw, it is crucial to call emergency services (e.g., 911 in the United States) without delay.
Administering medications: Emergency medical personnel may provide aspirin to help reduce blood clotting and nitroglycerin to ease chest pain.
Reperfusion therapy: This is the process of restoring blood flow to the blocked artery. It can be done either through thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), also known as angioplasty, where a catheter is used to open the blocked artery and place a stent to keep it open.
Quickly administering reperfusion therapy is crucial to limiting the amount of heart muscle damage and improving the chances of recovery.
Remember, if you suspect someone is having a heart attack, seek emergency medical help immediately. Early recognition and prompt treatment are vital in potentially saving a person's life and minimizing the long-term impact of a heart attack.