Lifesaving information on Heart Attacks Presented to: Members of Virtua’s Health Systems Presented by: Rachel Zeilman

What is a heart attack? Blood flow to heart is blocked Without blood, heart muscle dies quickly Main killer in the US Treatment works best when given immediately Call when symptoms arise

Causes of Heart Attacks Most are a result of CHD Coronary Heart Disease: plaque building in arteries Atherosclerosis: aftermath, years of plaque building Plaque: mainly fat, cholesterol, & calcium

Signs & Symptoms Pain or discomfort Chest, back, neck, jaw, arms, shoulders Feeling weak, faint, or light-headed Shortness of breath Cold sweats Nausea

Who is at risk? Certain traits & habits raise the risk Smoking High blood pressure High triglycerides High blood cholesterol Diabetes Other facts: Men & women have the same risk Risk factors “gang up”

Diagnosis Diagnosis will be done using: Family medical history Risk factors Medical exam

Diagnosis continued No single test is reliable enough Doctors use one or more test Electrocardiogram Stress test Chest X Ray Blood test

Immediate Treatment Early treatment can be lifesaving Oxygen therapy providing body with extra oxygen Aspirin thin blood, prevent clotting Nitroglycerin reduce heart’s workload Treatment for chest pain

Treatment at Hospital Treatment with medications Superaspirins Blood thinning medications Pain relievers Invasive surgery (if needed) Coronary angioplasty and stenting Coronary artery bypass surgery

Prevention Maintaining a healthy diet Maintain a healthy weight Be physically active Refrain from smoking Reduce stress Limit alcohol

Recovery Severity of damage depends on blockage Muscle can heal within several weeks Recovery usually takes eight weeks Scar tissue forms Survivors experience CAD Need to make lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes Smoking cessation Blood pressure management Diet Exercise Medication Stress management

Planning for the Future Rewards are worth struggles of changing Get to enjoy best quality of life Set SMART goals Seek help from medical professionals If experiencing depression, seek help immediately

Reassuring Loved Ones Managing loved ones concerns is stressful Keeping up with doctors appointments Correctly going through rehabilitation Communicating with loved ones helps recovery

Heart Failure Caused by Coronary heart disease Heart attack Cardiomyopathy High blood pressure

Heart Failure Treatments Doctor prescribed exercise Dietary changes Medicines Surgery when needed

Heart Disease Conditions affecting the heart including Coronary heart disease Heart attack Congestive heart failure Congenital heart failure

Heart Disease Treatments Quitting smoking Lowering cholesterol Controlling blood pressure Maintaining healthy weight Exercise

Living Healthy Eat 2-3 servings of fruit a day Eat 3-5 servings of vegetables a day Exercise 4 days a week Visit doctors regularly

Resources, further info topics/topics/heartattack/ topics/topics/heartattack/