heart attack in women

[Guest guest]

http://www.beliefnet.com/healthandhealing/getcontent.aspx?cid=14738 & WT.mc_id=NL44Heart Attack in Women(Myocardial Infarction)by Troya YoderDefinitionA heart attack occurs when an artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the muscle of the heart (myocardium) becomes blocked. The resulting lack of oxygen causes tissue to die in the part of the heart supplied by the blocked artery. A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction (MI).CausesMost heart attacks are indirectly caused by coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits (plaques) build up on the walls of an artery. This narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to the muscle of the heart. A heart attack is usually triggered by a tear or rupture of the plaque, which leads to the formation of a blood clot and then blocks the blood flow in the artery. Spasm of the artery can also contribute to the blockage.Risk FactorsThe risk factors for having a heart attack are similar to those for developing coronary artery disease.Uncontrollable risk factors include: Early menopausePostmenopausal statusIncreasing ageAfrican American, Mexican American, American Indian, native Hawaiian, or Asian ethnicityFamily history of cardiovascular diseaseRisk factors that you can affect through lifestyle or medical treatment include: Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke (especially if taking birth control pills)High blood pressureHigh levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterolLow levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterolSedentary lifestyleDiabetesObesity

and overweight (especially when focused around the waist)Psychological stressSymptomsThe symptoms of a heart attack may be far more subtle in women than in men. Chest pain or discomfort are typically the most common symptom in men and women. However, women may be more likely to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain.Common symptoms include: Nausea and vomitingSevere fatigueDizziness, faintingFeelings of heart burn or indigestion in the upper abdomenPain that radiates into the arms (on the left side more than the right)Pain high in the back, jaw, or neckHeart palpitationsProfuse sweatingShortness of breathA fear of impending deathDiagnosisThe following tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis of a heart attack:Electrocardiogram (ECG) - records the electrical activity of the heart; it is used to see if the heart muscle was damaged and where the damage is locatedBlood tests -may include measure of enzymes, troponin, and albumin cobalt binding (ACB – a new test recently approved by the FDA) levels in the bloodEchocardiogram- uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the heart's structure and functionMyocardial perfusion scan - uses small doses of a radioactive substance injected into the

bloodstream to visualize how well blood is nourishing the heart muscleTreatmentAs with men, heart disease is the number one killer for women, too. Women account for nearly half the deaths from heart attack. This makes it especially important for women to recognize the symptoms and receive immediate care.Medical attention within the first hour after the symptoms start can significantly reduce the amount of heart damage. An electric shock using a defibrillator along with intravenous medication may be administered if the heartbeat is dangerously irregular. Supplemental oxygen is usually given to increase oxygen in the blood and minimize tissue damage.Additional drug and surgical treatments are listed below.DrugsA number of drugs can reduce clotting and improve blood

flow, thereby minimizing damage to the heart. These include:Drugs that alleviate pain and dilate blood vessels around the heart, increasing blood flow: NitroglycerinMorphineAnti-clotting drugs: HeparinAspirinPlatelet GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors (abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban)Drugs that dissolve blood clots: Thrombolytic therapy - tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), streptokinase, alteplase, reteplase, anistreplase, urokinaseDrugs that slow heart rate and/or lower blood pressure: Beta-blockers - metoprolol, esmolol, propranolol, carvedilol, labetalolAngiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors - captopril, cilazapril, enalapril hydrochloride, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril hydrochloride, perindopril, quinapril, ramipril, trandolaprilCalcium-channel blockers - nifedipine, nicardipine, verapamil, diltiazem hydrochloride)Cholesterol-lowering drugs: Statins - atorvastatin, fluvastatin, pravastatin, simvastatinSurgical treatmentsIn some cases, surgically opening the blocked arteries may be required or recommended. The two most common of these procedures are: Angioplasty (percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, PTCA) – A small balloon attached to a catheter is inserted into an artery in the groin and threaded to the site of blockage. The balloon is inflated and deflated to open the artery, and then it is removed. This makes more room in the artery for blood to flow through. This procedure is usually performed when one or at most two vessels are blocked.Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) – When two or more vessels are blocked, or a PTCA cannot be done, the saphenous vein in the leg or a mammary artery from the chest wall may be used to create an alternate blood flow around the blocked artery or arteries.PreventionTo decrease your chances of

developing coronary artery disease, and thus having a heart attack, try to do the following: Eat a diet low in saturated fat and trans-fatty acidsEat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grain foodsEat foods containing vitamins B12, B6, and folic acidMaintain a healthy weightExercise regularlyQuit smokingControl diabetesControl blood pressure and cholesterol levelsMinimize psychological stressTake aspirin daily if recommended by your doctorDrink alcohol in moderation (no more than one to two drinks per day)RESOURCES:American Heart Associationhttp://www.americanheart.orgNational Coalition for Women with Heart Diseasehttp://www.womenheart.orgAmerican College of Cardiologyhttp://www.acc.orgReferences:American Heart AssociationJournal of the American Medical AssociationNational Coalition for Women with Heart DiseaseLast reviewed November 2005 by Jill Landis, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your

physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.