Complications after a heart attack may be temporary or may become chronic problems. The type and severity of complications depend on which part of the heart is affected by the heart attack, as well as how extensive the damage is. The presence of other health problems also plays a role in the degree of complications after a heart attack.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common problem after a heart attack, because the heart muscle is impaired and cannot effectively pump blood throughout the body. With cardiac rehabilitation, patients can regain strength and endurance. However, if a large part of the heart muscle is damaged from a heart attack, fatigue and weakness could become chronic problems. Donna D. Ignatavicius, MS RN, and M. Linda Workman, Ph.D., authors of the book "Medical-Surgical Nursing: Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care," explain how, during recovery, simple activities of daily living, like showering, dressing, grocery shopping and going up a flight of stairs, may be difficult to accomplish. However, slowly increasing activities and taking rest breaks throughout the day can alleviate fatigue.
Angina
Chest pain, called angina, can be a chronic complication after a heart attack. Coronary arteries partially blocked by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) and extensive areas of heart muscle damage decrease blood flow to the heart and cause chest pain. Angina can be a problem under any conditions and at any time of day. Medications, such as nitroglycerin or beta-blockers, may be prescribed to help control angina symptoms.
Depression
Depression is a common complication after a heart attack. The American Academy of Family Physicians reports on FamilyDoctor.org that one in three people who experience a heart attack suffer from depression during recovery. Patients are educated following a heart attack on how to monitor for signs of depression and are told to report depression to a health care provider. Frequently, antidepressants are prescribed on a temporary basis to help with recovery.
Congestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure is a complication of a heart attack. A damaged heart muscle impairs the pumping ability of the heart. Symptoms experienced when the left side of the heart is damaged are fatigue, shortness of breath, low blood pressure and chest pain. If the right side of the heart is damaged, fluid backs up into the venous system and causes swelling in the lower legs, shortness of breath, cough, weakness and chest pain.
Arrhythmia
The Mayo Clinic explains that when certain areas of the heart muscle are damaged during a heart attack, the ability of the heart to conduct an electrical impulse can be impaired. This can lead to irregular heartbeats and rhythms called arrhythmias. Arrhythmias may cause the heart to beat too slowly, too quickly or with many extra beats. Symptoms of arrhythmias include chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, shortness of breath and passing out. Medications and, possibly, a pacemaker are required to treat this complication of a heart attack.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing - Critical Thinking for Collaborative Care"; Donna D. Ignatavicius, MS RN, and M. Linda Workman, Ph.D.; 2006
- FamilyDoctor: Depression After a Heart Attack
- Mayo Clinic: Heart Arrhythmias
