Lifesaving information on Heart Attacks Presented to: Members of Virtua’s Health Systems Presented by: Rachel Zeilman
Feb 22, 2016
Lifesaving information on Heart Attacks
Lifesaving information on Heart AttacksPresented to: Members of Virtuas Health Systems
Presented by: Rachel Zeilman
What is a heart attack?Blood flow to heart is blockedWithout blood, heart muscle dies quicklyMain killer in the USTreatment works best when given immediatelyCall 9-1-1 when symptoms arise
Causes of Heart Attacks Most are a result of CHDCoronary Heart Disease: plaque building in arteriesAtherosclerosis: aftermath, years of plaque buildingPlaque: mainly fat, cholesterol, & calcium
Signs & SymptomsPain or discomfortChest, back, neck, jaw, arms, shouldersFeeling weak, faint, or light-headed Shortness of breathCold sweatsNausea
Who is at risk?Certain traits & habits raise the riskSmokingHigh blood pressureHigh triglyceridesHigh blood cholesterolDiabetesOther facts:Men & women have the same riskRisk factors gang up
DiagnosisDiagnosis will be done using:Family medical historyRisk factorsMedical exam
Diagnosis continuedNo single test is reliable enoughDoctors use one or more testElectrocardiogramStress testChest X RayBlood test
Immediate TreatmentEarly treatment can be lifesaving Oxygen therapy providing body with extra oxygenAspirinthin blood, prevent clottingNitroglycerinreduce hearts workloadTreatment for chest pain
Treatment at Hospital
Treatment with medications SuperaspirinsBlood thinning medicationsPain relieversInvasive surgery (if needed)Coronary angioplasty and stentingCoronary artery bypass surgeryPreventionMaintaining a healthy dietMaintain a healthy weightBe physically activeRefrain from smokingReduce stressLimit alcohol
RecoverySeverity of damage depends on blockageMuscle can heal within several weeksRecovery usually takes eight weeksScar tissue formsSurvivors experience CAD Need to make lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changesSmoking cessationBlood pressure managementDietExerciseMedicationStress management
Planning for the FutureRewards are worth struggles of changingGet to enjoy best quality of lifeSet SMART goalsSeek help from medical professionalsIf experiencing depression, seek help immediately
Reassuring Loved OnesManaging loved ones concerns is stressfulKeeping up with doctors appointmentsCorrectly going through rehabilitationCommunicating with loved ones helps recovery
Heart FailureCaused byCoronary heart diseaseHeart attackCardiomyopathyHigh blood pressure
Heart Failure TreatmentsDoctor prescribed exerciseDietary changesMedicinesSurgery when needed
Heart DiseaseConditions affecting the heart includingCoronary heart diseaseHeart attackCongestive heart failureCongenital heart failureHeart Disease TreatmentsQuitting smokingLowering cholesterolControlling blood pressureMaintaining healthy weightExercise
Living HealthyEat 2-3 servings of fruit a dayEat 3-5 servings of vegetables a dayExercise 4 days a weekVisit doctors regularly
Resources, further infowww.webmd.comhttp://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/heartattack/www.heart.orgwww.Cdc.govwww.mayoclinic.com