Heart Attack

Causes—What We Know We now know: The anatomy and pathway of blood in the heart How heart attacks are caused Buildup of plaque (cholesterol) that weakens the coronary arteries. These arteries can burst and a blood clot and block blood flow to the heart muscle leading to heart damage.

Heart Attacks—Symptoms Pressure or pain Chest or arms that could spread to the jaw or neck Nausea or indigestion Shortness of breath Sweating or cold sweat Anxiety Fatigue Dizziness or lightheadedness

Treatment During a Heart Attack CPR Stands for CardioPulmonary Recussitation Shawn’s mom was instructed to do this when she called 911 Purpose: Circulate the blood throughout the body when the heart stops beating Through giving chest compressions, you are “making” the heart pump blood

Treatment During a Heart Attack Medications Mostly help prevent blood clots or stop them from forming Remember that the CLOT is what actually causes the attack Aspirin is a commonly prescribed treatment after a heart attack and as a preventative measure

Treatments During a Heart Attack Emergency Surgery Coronary bypass surgery Angioplasty

Featured Career: Cardiology Technician/Technologist

Assessing Risk of Heart Attack If you are considered to be at risk for a heart attack or have survived on, doctors would want you to perform a stress test. This can be done to monitor the condition of the heart to see how well it is functioning

What they are looking for…. As you exercise, the health care worker will be monitoring you to make sure your heart is getting enough blood during exercise They are looking for Abnormal changes in blood pressure or heart rate Symptoms of shortness of breath or chest pain Abnormal changes in heart rhythm

What are the things that are needed? Treadmill or stationary bike EKG or ECG Electrocardiogram Heart monitor Blood pressure cuff

Stress Test We will be simulating our own stress test You will assume the role of an exercise physiologist to monitor a patient’s activity