Heart Attack Symptoms in Hindi: Cause, CPR and How to Save a Heart Attack

What is a heart attack?

When blood flow to a portion of the cardiac muscle is cut off, usually because of a blood clot, the result is a heart attack, also referred to as a myocardial infarction. This blockage may cause the heart tissue to be damaged or killed, and it might have a fatal result in addition to chest pain and shortness of breath. Diagnosis and treatment require prompt medical assistance.

Symptoms of Heart Attack

Heart attacks can present with a variety of symptoms, but typical ones include:

Chest pain or discomfort: The discomfort, fullness, or pressure that is uncomfortable and may persist for many minutes or disappear and then return in the middle of the chest.

Upper Body Discomfort: One or both arms, the back, the neck, the jaw, or the stomach may all be painful or uncomfortable.

Shortness of Breath: Feeling breathless or having difficulty breathing, typically accompanying chest discomfort.

Cold Sweat: “Cold sweat” is a term used to describe sudden, non-exercise-related perspiration.

Vomiting or feeling queasy: These symptoms can happen, especially when they coexist with other ones.

Dizziness or lightheadedness: Experience feeling lightheaded or dizzy, which can occasionally result in fainting.

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Heart Attack Cause

The main cause of a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a blockage in the coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. The formation of plaques or fatty deposits on the arterial walls is the most frequent cause of this obstruction. A heart attack is caused by a number of important factors, including:

1. Atherosclerosis: The major contributor to heart attacks is atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances accumulate on the inner walls of the coronary arteries, forming plaques.
2. Plaque Rupture: Over time, these plaques can become unstable, leading to ruptures or fissures. When a plaque ruptures, it exposes the inner core of the plaque, which contains substances that can trigger blood clot formation.
3. Blood Clot Formation: The body responds to the plaque rupture by forming a blood clot at the site. This clot can partially or completely block the flow of blood through the coronary artery.
4. Reduced Blood Flow: As the blood flow is impeded, the affected part of the heart muscle doesn’t receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients.
5. Ischemia and Infarction: The lack of blood flow can result in ischemia (insufficient blood supply) and, if prolonged, can lead to the death of heart muscle cells, known as infarction.

Several factors can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and the risk of a heart attack:

Risk Factors:

• Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that can damage blood vessels and contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
• High blood pressure: Hypertension can strain the arterial walls, making them more susceptible to damage.
• High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and contribute to elevated blood sugar levels, which may damage blood vessels.
• Obesity: Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
• Family History: A family history of heart disease can contribute to genetic predispositions.
• Age and Gender: The risk of heart attack increases with age, and men generally face a higher risk than premenopausal women.

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How to give CPR and save life

1. Check the scene:
   • Ensure safety and assess responsiveness.
2. Call for help:
   • Dial emergency services or ask someone to do so.
3. Start chest compressions:
   • Place hands on the center of the chest.
   • Perform compressions at 100–120 per minute.
4. Give Rescue Breaths:
   • After 30 compressions, provide two rescue breaths.
5. Repeat:
   • Continue the cycle until help arrives or the person starts breathing.
6. Use an AED if available:
   • If an AED is nearby, follow its prompts.

Remember:

• Make sure the individual is on a solid surface.
• During chest compressions, push quickly and forcefully.
• Minimize interruptions during CPR.
• Continue CPR until the victim begins breathing on their own or until emergency medical assistance arrives.

How to Save Yourself from a Heart Attack?

While it’s not always possible to prevent a heart attack entirely, you can take steps to reduce your risk and promote heart health. Here are some key measures:

1. Adopt a healthy lifestyle:
   • Balanced Diet: Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy. Limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.
   • Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
2. Quit Smoking:
   • Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking improves your heart health and overall well-being.
3. Manage Stress:
   • Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or engaging in hobbies to manage stress levels.
4. Maintain a healthy weight:
   • Achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of a nutritious diet and regular physical activity.
5. Monitor blood pressure:
   • Regularly check and manage your blood pressure. If it’s elevated, work with your healthcare provider to keep it within a healthy range.
6. Control Cholesterol:
   • Monitor and manage your cholesterol levels through a heart-healthy diet, exercise, and, if necessary, medications prescribed by your doctor.
7. Manage Diabetes:
   • If you have diabetes, work closely with your healthcare team to keep your blood sugar levels under control.
8. Limit alcohol intake:
   • If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. For most adults, this means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.
9. Know Your Family History:
   • Be aware of your family’s medical history, as genetics can contribute to heart disease risk.
10. Get regular check-ups:
    • Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider for preventive care and early detection of potential issues.
11. Educate Yourself:
    • Understand the warning signs of a heart attack and seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort in the upper body.

Remember, these lifestyle changes not only reduce the risk of heart attack but also contribute to overall well-being. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your health profile.

Difference between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

Characteristic	Heart Attack	Cardiac Arrest
Definition	Blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked.	Sudden, unexpected loss of heart function.
Cause	Usually caused by a blood clot or plaque.	Can be caused by various heart rhythm issues.
Symptoms	Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea.	Sudden loss of consciousness, no pulse, no breathing.
Heart Function	The heart may continue beating, albeit inefficiently.	The heart stops beating, pumping blood.
Blood Circulation	Blood continues to circulate to some extent.	No blood is pumped to the body’s organs.
Duration	May have warning signs leading up to the event.	Often, it occurs suddenly without prior symptoms.
Treatment	Emergency medical care, medications, and interventions.	Immediate CPR and use of an AED, followed by professional medical care.
Survival Chance	Can be survived with prompt medical intervention.	Requires immediate intervention for a chance of survival.