A heart attack describes a condition where blood flow is prevented from reaching the muscles of the heart, and the tissue of the heart begins to suffocate and die, according to the Mayo Clinic. Heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is usually caused by coronary artery disease, which is a condition in which plaque builds up on the inside of the blood vessel walls. The most common cause of heart attack is caused by a blood clot in the coronary artery.
Cardiovascular Considerations
A heart attack is usually the result of some catastrophic damage to the heart. Some areas of the heart may not function as well as they did before the myocardial infarction occurred. This decrease in function may lead to heart failure, in which the heart cannot pump blood efficiently enough to deliver blood to all parts of the body. Heart attacks may also cause arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.
Physiologial Considerations
There may be other changes to the body due to the heart attack. Heart function may be impaired, which means some organs and other parts of the body may not get the blood and oxygen they need. The effect of the heart attack would be to diminish the functionality of other organs in the body.
Lifestyle
A person may have to make significant changes in his life after he has a heart attack. Smoking cessation is strongly encouraged, as is a diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Under a doctor's supervision, an exercise plan should be developed. Medications and surgery to repair damage and improve heart function are possible.
Complications
There can be physical complications after suffering a heart attack, especially if the victim has chronic conditions other than heart problems. Diabetes can worsen if the person can no longer exercise to keep his blood sugar under control, for example.
Prognosis
Prognosis varies from patient to patient, depending on how severe the attack was and how soon the person received quality medical attention. If the heart muscle dies as a result of the heart attack, the prognosis would be much worse than if the heart muscle was only wounded. Heart attack is a leading killer of men and women in the United States, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.
Psychological Significance
One of the more difficult aspects for some heart attack survivors is the psychological toll the event had on them. Many patients experience depression and mood swings. Others express feelings of hopelessness or despair. Some are fearful of another heart attack.
Recurrence
People who have had a heart attack have good reason to fear another one. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projected that in 2009, there were more than 270,000 recurrent heart attacks suffered by people who had already had at least one heart attack.
