Lifesaving information on Heart Attacks Presented to: Members
of Virtuas Health Systems Presented by: Rachel Zeilman
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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 9-1-1 when symptoms
arise
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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
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Signs & Symptoms Pain or discomfort Chest, back, neck, jaw,
arms, shoulders Feeling weak, faint, or light-headed Shortness of
breath Cold sweats Nausea
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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
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Diagnosis Diagnosis will be done using: Family medical history
Risk factors Medical exam
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Diagnosis continued No single test is reliable enough Doctors
use one or more test Electrocardiogram Stress test Chest X Ray
Blood test
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Immediate Treatment Early treatment can be lifesaving Oxygen
therapy providing body with extra oxygen Aspirin thin blood,
prevent clotting Nitroglycerin reduce hearts workload Treatment for
chest pain
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Treatment at Hospital Treatment with medications Superaspirins
Blood thinning medications Pain relievers Invasive surgery (if
needed) Coronary angioplasty and stenting Coronary artery bypass
surgery
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Prevention Maintaining a healthy diet Maintain a healthy weight
Be physically active Refrain from smoking Reduce stress Limit
alcohol
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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
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
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Reassuring Loved Ones Managing loved ones concerns is stressful
Keeping up with doctors appointments Correctly going through
rehabilitation Communicating with loved ones helps recovery
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Heart Failure Caused by Coronary heart disease Heart attack
Cardiomyopathy High blood pressure
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Heart Failure Treatments Doctor prescribed exercise Dietary
changes Medicines Surgery when needed
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Heart Disease Conditions affecting the heart including Coronary
heart disease Heart attack Congestive heart failure Congenital
heart failure