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Contents
  • Understanding Heart Attacks
  • The Role of Troponin
  • Types of Heart Attacks

What is a Heart Attack and How Can You Spot It?

What is a Heart Attack and How Can You Spot It?

Spotting the Signs

Heart attacks, or myocardial infarctions, are serious events that require immediate attention. Understanding the signs and symptoms can save lives.
Contents
  • Understanding Heart Attacks
  • The Role of Troponin
  • Types of Heart Attacks

Understanding Heart Attacks

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing heart muscle damage. It is often due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances, which form a plaque in the coronary arteries. This plaque can rupture, leading to a blood clot that blocks the flow of blood to the heart.

The Role of Troponin

Troponin is a protein released when the heart muscle is damaged, making it a key biomarker for diagnosing heart attacks. Doctors look for a rise and fall in troponin levels to confirm a heart attack, using high-sensitivity assays for accurate results. This biomarker helps distinguish between different types of acute coronary syndromes.
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing heart muscle damage. It often results from a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries.

Types of Heart Attacks

There are several types of heart attacks, each with different causes and characteristics. Type 1 is caused by a blockage in a coronary artery, typically due to plaque rupture. Type 2 involves an oxygen supply-demand mismatch, which can happen without any blockages. Recognizing the type is crucial for proper treatment.

FAQs

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack is a condition where heart muscle is damaged due to blocked blood flow.

How is a heart attack diagnosed?

Doctors use ECG changes and troponin levels to diagnose heart attacks.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and sometimes nausea.

Can a heart attack occur without chest pain?

Yes, especially in older individuals, diabetics, and women.

The Bottom Line

Recognizing and treating heart attacks promptly can save lives.
Want to know more about heart health? Talk to Doctronic for personalized advice.
Additional References
  1. Anderson JL, Morrow DA. Acute Myocardial Infarction. N Engl J Med 2017; 376:2053.
  2. Thygesen K, Alpert JS, Jaffe AS, et al. Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (2018). J Am Coll Cardiol 2018; 72:2231.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.