Here's the translation: What You Need to Know About Heart Attacks

What You Need to Know About Heart Attack Heart conditions are common worldwide due to many factors such as the challenges of daily life, dietary habits or genetic characteristics. Assoc. Prof. Süha Çetin from the Cardiology Department of Istanbul Okan University Hospital provided important information about heart attacks. A heart attack occurs when one of the arteries supplying the heart becomes blocked and the heart muscle in that area does not receive sufficient blood and therefore oxygen. The later the treatment, that is, the procedure to open the artery, the more damage the heart muscle tissue suffers.

How do we know we are having a heart attack?

• Chest pain or a feeling of discomfort. This pain occurs in the center of the chest and may last for several minutes or longer. Besides pain, there may be a sensation of pressure, tightness or fullness in the chest. • People may experience cold sweating, dizziness and fainting. • The pressure in the chest may radiate to the left or both arms, lower jaw, back or stomach area and may cause nausea and vomiting. In this case, it is important for the person or their relatives to call 112 without delay. The sooner the patient is taken to a center that performs coronary intervention, the sooner treatment can be administered and the fatal risk of a heart attack can be reduced. In some cases, the person may need to receive electrical shock through paddles on the chest or receive chest compressions and respiratory support.  

Heart attack causes and risk factors

Lifestyle, age and family history can increase the risk of having a heart attack. Many people have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes due to an undesired lifestyle. Smoking in particular can cause heart attacks in young people.  

What can be done during the recovery phase after a heart attack?

As a result of a heart attack, the heart may have been damaged. This condition can cause rhythm disturbances and affect the heart's pumping ability. There is a risk of having another heart attack, stroke or disease of the arteries that supply the legs.   • Getting through the period well after the crisis: It is helpful to discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor may initially limit your work volume, travels and sexual activity. • Lifestyle changes: Mediterranean diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation and regular use of prescribed medications play an important role. • The person may need to be treated at a cardiac rehabilitation center. These centers are managed by professional staff. Help is provided with physical activity, diet management and smoking cessation. Stress management and psychological support are also provided.