Discussion heart attack

Q. what should I do to prevent heart attack?

A1	The American Heart Association recommends that heart attack prevention begin by age 20. This means assessing your risk factors and working to keep them low. For those over 40, or those with multiple risk factors, it’s important to calculate the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years. Many first-ever heart attacks or strokes are fatal or disabling, so prevention is critical. The sooner you begin comprehensive risk reduction, the longer and stronger your heart will beat. For the full article and a quiz to test your heart health:http://medicaladv.blogspot.com/2009/12/miscellaneous-heart-disease-subjects.html
A2	whooooohooo! because i have a very bad genetics in that part- i'm a bit obsessed by it. heart problems caused by numerous things: smoking, fat in the blood, high cholesterol, Diabetes, your genetics and some other things (but not as important as those five). you might want to check them up and prevent them from happening. here is a tutorial about heart attacks: http://medicaladv.blogspot.com/2009/12/miscellaneous-heart-disease-subjects.html
A3	There are many things that can cause a heart attack. Stress is one of the biggest factors in our society today and its hard to prevent .Yoga or other relaxing techniques can really help in that area. Omega-3 fish oils are very good for the heart function.OPC-3 plays a very good role in blood circulation and helps to prevent platlets from clogging arteries. It contains a red wine extract, grapeseed extract,bilberry and pycnogenol. If you are taking Cumidine or another type blood thinner, it is not recommended to take this product. The best thing to do is talk to your Doctor.Ask him about these natural products for prevention. Exercise and prevention are the best tools we have available to us. Healthy eating habits and maintaing a healthy weight are very important. Regular check-ups with your doctor are extremely important even if it's just a yearly physical. Take care and best wishes.

Q. What causes Cardiomegaly?

My Husband has had a physical checkup and has found to have Cardiomegaly. What does it mean and what causes it?

A1	Cardiomegaly means an enlarged heart and it is a sign of an underlying problem. It can have many causes, including: High blood pressure Heart valve disorders Weakness of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) Severe anemia Thyroid disorders Excessive iron in the body (hemochromatosis) Abnormal protein buildup in an organ (amyloidosis)
A2	Cardiomegaly is a condition wherein the heart enlarges. Cardiomegaly occurs if the heart is more than 50 percent bigger than the inner diameter of one’s rib cage. It can be caused by many different things, but mostly it is because of low heart output, otherwise referred to as a cardiac failure.

Q. What causes blood clots?

My father had a heart attack which was caused by a blood clot. Am I at risk for developing blood clots too? How do I prevent it from happening?

A1

I found a website that checks your risks for inheriting your family's illness, including blood clots. They have a test you can do which is called "Free Risk Assessment for Thrombophilia": http://medicaladv.blogspot.com/2009/12/how-does-heart-attack-damage-heart.html

A2

If your Father has a history of blood clots, you might have inherited thrombophilia (a predisposition for blood clotting). Also, the older you get the risks for developing blood clots, increases. In order to prevent blood clots, it is important to reduce or quit smoking and to control high blood pressure. High cholesterol levels also present a risk for blood clots and may be checked by your doctor. A healthy diet and regular exercise also help to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Q. What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack?

I am 63 years old, suffering from chronic hypertension and diabetes for many years now. I know I'm at a very high risk for developing a heart attack, and I would like to know- what are the signs of having a heart attack?

A1

The onset of symptoms in myocardial infarction (MI or- heart attack) is usually gradual, over several minutes, and rarely instantaneous. Chest pain is the most common symptom of acute myocardial infarction and is often described as a sensation of tightness, pressure, or squeezing. Pain radiates most often to the left arm, but may also radiate to the lower jaw, neck, right arm, back, and upper abdomen, where it may mimic heartburn. This can be accompanied by general bad feeling, fatigue, sweating, palpitations, nausea or vomiting. At any sudden onset of debilitating chest pain, you must seek medical help.

A2

The complaint that most patients undergoing a heart attack (or- myocardial infarction) come with to the emergency room is severe sharp chest pain, that may or may not be related to physical activity. This pain can be described as pressure or burning sensation. It often radiates to other places such as the left arm, neck or jaw. Sometimes there are other gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea and vomiting. Sometimes there is even trouble breathing that requires ventilation. This combination of signs and symptoms is a "red flag" and it is advised to be examined by a doctor.

Q. What Are the Risk Factors for Developing a Heart Attack?

A2

The risk factors that are known to be connected with higher risk of developing myocardial infarction ("MI" or- heart attack) are the ones causing atherosclerosis: older age, tobacco smoking, Hypercholesterolemia (especially high LDL-cholesterol levels and low HDL-cholesterol levels), diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity (especially with BMI over 30) and stress. Familial history of heart disease or heart attack at a young age (under 50) is also a considerable risk factor.

Q. Is it true that Zocor helps to prevent heart attacks?

I am a 54 years old male, and I have family history of cardio vascular diseases. My physician prescribed me Zocor and said it will lower the chance for heart attacks. If it is true how come not all of the population is taking this drug? Is it really a good way to prevent cardio vasculare diseases?

A1	Zocor is a drug that is used to lower the risk of heart attack. It works by lowering the LDL (the bad cholesterol). The reason why not everyone is taking it is that not every one has a high bad cholesterol.
A2	there are several drugs that are used to decrease the chance of a heart attack and i heard Zocor is one of them. it is a good prevention method but it won't help every one and it shouldn't be used without the GP's recommendation

Q. why?

i got Heart attack 4 yrs ago... and to this moment i feel good but... there r some pain i don't understand it...here in my city when i go to hospital to chick...all thay can do...open my cheast.. lol.. i need to know.....last 3 yrs i were play basket ball matchs ..now i cann't my wight become heaver..why !! i don't eat much !1..many quistion..

A1	yes i got shortness of breath when i start walk only..but after a mints of walk.i back normal..and everyday i used to Climb the stairs 14 floors i don't feel efforts or shortness of breath ..and .. i got more fatty..in spite of i don't eat much.. but.. I Aterv i'm lazy.. i did ECO and i don't know how i can send u the picture i scanned it to my computer..can I send it to u ?
A2	First, if you are experiencing weakness, shortness of breath or aches during resting or exercising, you should turn to a doctor to get examined and get an ECG done. Especially because you already had one heart attack, you need to be more alert for signs and symptoms of a cardial problem that may occur. Also you have to maintain a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, and take your medications as given.

Miscellaneous Heart Disease Subjects and Other Heart Conditions

What is an angina attack?
Angina is a lack of blood and therefore oxygen to the heart muscle that does not cause damage. It may be a warning of a future heart attack.

What exactly is the difference between an angina attack and a heart attack?
In angina there is no death of the heart muscle tissue. It is reversible. There is enough blockage to cause pain, but not enough blockage to cause death of the muscle. Often angina, ie chest pain, is a warning signal for a possible heart attack.

What is the difference between a heart attack and congestive heart failure?
Congestive heart failure is an inadequate pumping of the heart. It may be caused by the damage that occurs in a heart attack, but it may also have other causes such as infection of the heart muscle.

Can congestive heart failure develop simply from age?

Yes, as muscles weaken with age.

What are heart arteries?

The coronary arteries are direct branches of the ascending aorta (the major blood vessel arising from the heart. There are 2 major arteries, the right and the left coronary artery. The left one branches into the left anterior descending artery (also known as LAD which is the most frequently occluded vessel in a heart attack) and the circumflex. The circumflex forms a connection with the right coronary artery. The right coronary artery gives rise to 3 branches, the anterior right atrial branch which goes to the sinoatrial node (the natural pacer of the heart), the marginal artery and the posterior descending branch. See this site for diagrams.

Does blood get to the areas of the heart in any other way besides arteries?
Thesbian veins are small and fairly insignificant vessels that empty directly into the left chamber of the heart.

Are there other ways arteries get blocked besides clogging from plaque?
Yes.

How can that happen to an artery?

This happens if there is a tear in the artery.

Who would be at risk for this?

This may especially occur in young women post par-tum,, after the birth of the baby. 

What can be done to prevent this from happening?

Nothing.

How is stress related to heart attacks?

Stress may increase the heart rate and blood pressure which increase the demand on the heart muscles.

What does genetics or family history have to do with heart attacks?

The risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure may be inherited, but there may be other factors which have not yet been identified.

What are collaterals?

Collaterals are arteries that develop spontaneously in response to an existing blockage as natural bypasses in the heart to help improve blood flow to the heart muscles. Exercising can help improve the development of collaterals.

Life After A Heart Attack

Does a person ever recover from a heart attack?

Yes, but the level of activities that they may resume depends on the degree of the heart attack. Daily life after a heart attack may look just as before the heart attack with no negative effects. A heart attack that caused more damage to the heart muscle tissue may result in a more limited list of activities for daily life. In any case, anyone suffering a heart attack needs to pay attention to their diet, exercise and other aspects of their post heart attack life to insure that they do not experience another heart attack. This may start by making sure any cigarette smokers use their heart attacks as a wake up call to quit smoking!

What sports can a person take part in after a heart attack?

This depends on the size of the heart attack. Work closely with your doctor, but exercise after a heart attack becomes an important part of recovery and resuming a normal life.

What sports should be avoided after a heart attack?

Scuba diving may need to be avoided because it causes a vagal reaction which causes a decrease in blood pressure.

Which heart disease patients should still scuba dive?
It depends on the severity of the heart attack. If the blocked artery has been corrected such as through bypass surgery or angioplasty and if the patient then has a normal stress test then diving is permitted in warm waters. However, in a person who has had extensive muscle death after a heart attack, then diving is not permitted due to the inability of the muscles to keep up with the pumping requirement needed. It is not recommended for most people with coronary artery disease who have not corrected the problem to dive.

How soon after a heart attack can a person fly in an airplane?

A person may fly in an airplane as soon as there is recovery from the heart attack.

How often can a person fly after a heart attack?

There is no restriction.

Should a person who has had a heart attack avoid saunas or steam showers?

They should be careful in these circumstances as they may cause a drop in blood pressure which may effect blood flow to the brain and to the heart. This may cause the patient to pass out or lose consciousness.

Should a person try to live a normal life after a heart attack or should they restrict certain regular activities?
The level of activity depends on the severity of the heart attack. If a large part of the heart muscle is involved and rendered ineffective then there may be more limitations on the physical activity. However, if the heart attack is mild and it is not complicated by heart failure then normal life activity may be resumed.

When can a heart attack patient drive a car again?

A heart attack survivor may drive in 2-4 weeks depending on how severe the heart attack was and if there were any complications.

How long until a heart attack victim can go back to work?

Depending on the type of work, patients can go back to work very soon after discharge from the hospital.

What if they have a physically demanding job?
A physically demanding job will need a longer time and will be evaluated based on follow up stress tests.

Are there some things I should never eat again ever for my whole life?
It depends on many variables such as your weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, and sugar levels. In general it is best to avoid fats, especially animal fats and saturated fats, desserts that are high in sugar and butter. Restrictions on diet for patients with a history of heart disease may remain in effect for the rest of their life.

I’ve talked to people who feel depressed after a heart attack, what is the relationship between depression and a heart attack?
It is believed to be mainly situational.

What can help a heart attack patient through any depression?
Cardiac rehab and anti-depressants may help through depression. In the January 24, 2007 issue of JAMA1 a study was published that showed that “citalopram or sertraline plus clinical management should be considered as a first-step treatment for patients with coronary artery disease and major depression” and that interpersonal psychotherapy did not add any benefit to the treatment.

Can a heart attack patient ever have sex again?

Yes. Sex is usually ok when a person can achieve 4-5 mets on a treadmill test without symptoms or other complications such as arrhythmia or significant ST changes (some people use ability to climb two flights of stairs without problems as their guideline for resuming sex). Usual heart rate with sex is 110-120 so when this heart rate can be achieved safely sex is usually ok. Interesting however is that the data on death and sex is from a study on business men who died suddenly - the study was from Japan. Additional circumstances included being with an unfamiliar partner, having eaten a large meal, having had an excess of alcohol and sex is added to this mix - not a generally good thing to do! It is appropriate to treat sex just like any other physical activity with the exception of adding the emotional environment to the mix! Really important is to also address the concerns of the "spouse or significant other" often the patient is ready to resume sex and the partner is scared to death!

Exercise After A Heart Attack

What is the difference between aerobic and anaerobic exercise?

Aerobic exercise promotes cardiovascular fitness by raising your pulse to a targeted level. It helps to strengthen the heart strengthen your heart, and allows the heart to pump more blood.. Some examples of aerobic exercise are walking, jogging, bicycling and swimming. Heart rate has to be maintained for at least 15 minutes to obtain the cardiovascular benefits.

Anaerobic exercise focuses on specific muscles and their size,endurance, and strength.Weight lifting and resistance training are examples of anaerobic exercise. 

How long should each aerobic exercise session be?

This varies depending on the patient’s physical condition and goals. In general 1 hour a day at least 5 days a week is recommended. For aerobic fitness shorter durations of 10-15 minutes two to three times a day may be beneficial. For weight loss, longer exercise durations of at least 30 minutes is preferred. Longer is better: at least 30 minutes with 40 to 60 minutes preferred to burn fat. Here are some studies with their recommendations 1.

How many times each week should I exercise?

Aerobic exercise is recommended every day as best and at least 5 times a week.

In general CR (Cardio Rehabilitation) programs last one hour [15 min warm up and strength exercises 30 min of aerobics (walking, biking, dancing etc. - always based on heart rate guidelines of 70% of maximal safe heart rate and 15 minutes cool down with stretching and relaxation) There is no benefit to attempting to obtain a higher heart rate above 70% your maximum. Everyone is encouraged to exercise daily for at least 30 minutes with specific guidelines based on their heart health etc. Most people go to formal CR classes 3 times per week. Levels are advanced based on capacity and other criteria such as orthopedic concerns, age, balance, other co-morbidities.

Wouldn't hard exercise make it more likely to have a heart attack?

This depends on your physical condition. If you are in a good physical shape then appropriate exercise should not cause a heart attack, but if you are not conditioned then increasing physical demand on your body and heart may cause symptoms or heart attack.

However, it should be noted that there are those who are in good physical shape but who experience a heart attack due to plaque rupture and not to is chemia. It is unknown if these ruptures may be triggered by exercise.

What range should you try to keep your heart rate in when you exercise?

A general rule is 190-your age which equals 85% of maximum heart rate. An exercise prescription may also be given so that if the exercise is supervised then the patient can go to 85% of maximum heart rate obtained on a treadmill test. If the exercise is unsupervised, then the goal is 70% of maximum heart rate obtained on a treadmill test. Use this calculator for a rough guide, but ask your own doctor for personal exercise recommendations.

Is there a minimum heart rate I should try to achieve during exercise?

To provide a benefit to your heart you should try to attain at least 50% of your maximum heart rate during a aerobic exercise session.

How many times each week should I exercise?

Aerobic exercise is recommended every day as best and at least 5 times a week.

In general CR (Cardio Rehabilitation) programs last one hour [15 min warm up and strength exercises 30 min of aerobics (walking, biking, dancing etc. - always based on heart rate guidelines of 70% of maximal safe heart rate and 15 minutes cool down with stretching and relaxation) There is no benefit to attempting to obtain a higher heart rate above 70% your maximum. Everyone is encouraged to exercise daily for at least 30 minutes with specific guidelines based on their heart health etc. Most people go to formal CR classes 3 times per week. Levels are advanced based on capacity and other criteria such as orthopedic concerns, age, balance, other co-morbidities.

What is supervised aerobic exercise?


Most times this refers to participation in a cardio rehab program. You attend an exercise session at a center staffed by nurses and physical therapists trained in working with patients post heart attack. During exercise you wear a heart rate monitor and the staff keeps a close watch on your heart rate.

How can you tell what your heart rate is?

You can check your own pulse, but a much easier and more reliable method would be to get a personal heart rate monitor.

What is a personal heart rate monitor?


These devices usually consist of two parts. An elastic strap with a transmitting device goes around your chest. Heart rate data goes wirelessly from the transmitter in the strap to a special watch on your wrist. You can read your heart rate on the watch as well as other useful functions. Some models sense your heart rate right from your wrist and do not require a chest strap.

What other functions do heart rate monitors have?

Almost all act as a standard watch, most as stop watches. Many have alarms to let you know if you are excersizing at a heart rate too low to help your heart as well as an alarm if you get your heart rate over your target to where it might present a danger. Some models interface with a computer for tracking. Often standard treadmills, exercise cycles, steppers or other cardio machines in a gym have heart monitors built in that read the signals from your regular chest strap transmitter on their own display without the need to wear the watch part.

How much do personal heart rate monitors cost?

The most well known personal heart rates monitors come from Polar, you may even see on cardio machines that they work with Polar equipment. In some cases people use "Polar" for heart rate monitors like they use the name "Kleenex" for tissues, but Polar represents a specific manufacturer. Polar heart rate monitors start at about $80. Other brands without the Polar name will do the job too and even work with Polar cardio machines as they all use the same frequencies to transmit your heart rate from the strap to the receiver either in the heart monitor watch or the gym equipment. You can find personal heart rate monitors starting at around $40 or less. With fancy features you may see some personal heart rate monitors priced over $400.

Where do you buy personal heart rate monitors?

Online, many sites will even offer free shipping on Polar or inexpensive heart monitors. You may find personal heart rate monitors in a local sports store too, try the running department or sports watch areas.

Are there special personal heart rate monitors for women?

Yes, a personal heart rate monitor for a woman might have a smaller watch face on the monitor and a smaller wrist band.

If you are wearing a personal heart monitor with an alarm in you exceed your target heart rate would that be considered supervised aerobic exercise?

No, for definition as supervised exercise you need trained staff with you in addition to having your heart rate monitored. This should not belittle the benefit of wearing a personal heart rate monitor when you exercise on your own?

Why would you want a personal heart rate monitor for unsupervised aerobic exercise?

Patients find these devices very helpful. Keeping your heart rate in the desired range during aerobic exercise holds the key to gaining the cardio benefits of the workout. If you do not get your heart rate up high enough you are not doing enough to help your heart. If you increase your heart rate too high you risk another heart attack. Taking your own pulse while you exercise can be difficult and inaccurate. Personal heart rate monitors help you to keep in the proper range and get the most out of your aerobic exercise time. Many people also find comfort in the heart rate readings to know they have a safe pace. People instructed by their doctors not to exceed a certain maximum heart rate might find themselves scared to push to hard and not workout hard enough, or go too hard because they have no accurate way to see their own heart rate and risk problems. A personal heart monitor helps on both ends of the spectrum, allowing the patient to exercise with more comfort and confidence. After a heart attack this can become quite important.

Where should you set the upper and lower limits on your personal heart rate monitor?


While you can use some of the information above as a start, this question really should be answered by your own physician based on your own age, health, risk factors and medications.

What do medications have to do with it?

Drugs such as beta blockers change your heart rate, so when recomending the proper heart rate for aerobic exercise the effect of the medicine must be taken into account.

What should you do if you exceed your target heart rate and the alarm on your heart monitor sounds?

Generally slow down. In most cases you should not abruptly stop your exercise unless you also have other symptoms. Look and the monitor and slow up until your heart rate gets back into the proper range and continue your workout. You can check you your own doctor for a personal answer to this part, but sometimes for a very short period of time if you have the proper conditioning going over a bit can be acceptable. An example of this would be someone who has returned to good physical condition and exceeds their target heart rate just before the top of a hill while bicycle riding. Going a little further at just a little over the target rate would be alright, but ask your own doctor what you should do in such a case.

My personal heart rate monitor stopped working?
Start by checking both the batteries, remember there is a battery in the wrist monitor and another in the chest transmitter.

Why does losing weight help lower the risk of a heart attack?


Losing weight helps lower lipids/cholesterol, blood pressure and the general work load on the heart.

If adjusting diet and exercise isn't enough what drugs can help?

Lifestyle changes do make a difference in heart disease. In addition to diet and exercise cholesterol lowering medications and anti-hypertensives help reduce the risk for heart disease. Learn more in the heart drug FAQ.

Does excersise help your heart in any other ways?

Exercise may help develop collaterals.

What are collaterals?

Arteries which grow to help circulate blood by circumventing the clogged arteries.