Heart attack

Every year in Belgium, approximately 10,000 people die from a heart attack. What exactly is a heart attack and how should a heart attack be treated?

A heart attack is the same as a myocardial infarction. The cause is an interruption of the blood supply through the coronary arteries. This can be caused by an atherosclerotic plaque or a blood clot. If the interruption lasts too long, permanent damage to the heart muscle may occur. This can lead to heart failure, life-threatening arrhythmias and even death. At the time of the heart attack, the patient feels severe, oppressive chest pain that can radiate to the left shoulder. This is often accompanied by sweating, paleness, nausea or vomiting. In the event of a heart attack, the patient must go to a hospital as quickly as possible to reopen the coronary artery. If the patient can be treated within 2 hours, damage to the heart muscle can be largely prevented.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024