LICEO SCIENTIFICO “F.REDI” AREZZO HEART ATTACK Student: Pietro Pasqui Supervisor: Prof.ssa Elisa Vannuccini

Introduction A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when it blocks the direct flow of blood to a part of the heart muscle If the blood flow is not restored quickly, the section concerned of the heart is damaged by lack of oxygen

Introduction Heart attacks are a leading cause of death in industrialized countries Today there are effective treatments that can save lives

Causes A heart attack occurs when one or more of the arteries to the heart carrying oxygen-rich blood gets clogged It is a sudden event, but is due to the effects of a chronic cardiovascular disease called atherosclerosis, which causes a gradual blockage of blood vessels

Causes A less common cause of heart attack is represented by the spasm of a coronary artery that stops the direct blood flow to a part of the heart muscle: drugs such as cocaine can cause very dangerous for the life spasms A heart attack represents the end of a process which evolves in gender for many hours. With every passing minute heart tissue is blood private, it deteriorates and dies

Risk factors Tobacco smoke High blood pressure High blood cholesterol levels and high triglyceride Lack of physical activity Obesity

Risk factors Diabetes Stress Alcohol Family history of heart attack Homocysteine, C- reactive protein and fibrinogen

Symptoms Pains in the chest center Pain in the shoulder, arm, back, teeth and jaw Prolonged pain in the upper abdomen Shortness of breath Sweating Fatigue Swoon Nausea and vomit

Symptoms Signs and symptoms of heart attack in women may be different and less obvious than those that occur in men. Recall: Stomach ache Cute wet Lightheadedness or dizziness. More are the symptoms, the higher the probability that it is in the presence of a heart attack On the contrary some people do not experience any symptoms

Diagnosis The diagnosis is made based on symptoms, personal and family medical history, the results of diagnostic testing. EKG: detects and records the electrical activity of the heart. Certain changes in the appearance of the electric waves are important signals of a heart attack; It is also able to demonstrate if you have arrhythmias, which can be caused by a heart attack Blood tests: during a heart attack to heart muscle cells explode, leaving some proteins in the blood. Blood tests are used to measure quantities of these proteins Coronary angiography is a special x- ray examination of the heart and blood vessels. It is often done in the course of a heart attack to detect obstructions in the coronary arteries. If a procedure called angioplasty is detected an obstruction could be used, to restore blood flow through the artery

Dangers The heart attack may have the following consequences: Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). May develop short circuits causing abnormal heart rhythms, some of which may also be fatal Heart failure. The still-functioning part of the muscle is unable to pump blood adequately to the heart. This decreases the blood flow to tissues and organs throughout the body. Heart failure may be a temporary problem Problems to the valves. Heart valves are damaged during a heart attack may develop serious problems, dangerous for life itself Heart Break. Some areas of the heart muscle weakened after infarction can rupture, leaving a hole in a part of the heart. This break is often rapidly fatal

During a heart attack We must act immediately! Call for urgent medical help to 118 Taking nitroglycerin (if your doctor has prescribed) waiting for the arrival of emergency medical personnel Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The timely use of a defibrillator can restore the heart to its normal rhythm Once you reach the emergency room, it is clear that the subject has been struck by a heart attack, it can be treated with medication or subject it to an invasive procedure or both, depending on the severity of the case and the amount of heart damage occurred

Drugs Among the drugs used to treat a heart attack include: Aspirin. Aspirin may be administered by emergency medical personnel as soon as you reach the hospital. It inhibits the coagulation of blood, thus helping to maintain the flow of blood through the artery obstructed Thrombolytics. These medicines help to dissolve the blood clot that blocks the blood flow directed to the heart Superaspirina. It helps prevent the formation of blood clots again Other drugs to thin the blood: Heparin, to make the blood less prone to form dangerous blood clots Nitroglycerin, to temporarily dilate the arterial blood vessels improving blood flow to and from the heart Beta-blockers, to help relax the heart muscle, slow down the heartbeat and reduce blood pressure by making easier the work of the heart Drugs that reduce cholesterol

Surgery Angioplasty and coronary stent Coronary artery bypass surgery

Lifestyle To prevent or recover from a heart attack: Not smoking Control cholesterol Undergo regular medical checks Control blood pressure Doing regular physical activity Maintain a healthy weight Follow a healthy diet Manage stress Consume alcohol in moderation

After heart attack Being struck by a heart attack is a frightening experience. Fear is just one of many emotions to deal with. Other emotions that may be particularly difficult to overcome after a heart attack can be: Anger Guilt Depression It 'good to discuss it openly with your doctor, a family member or friend who can help you to cope better with the situation. It might be helpful to talk to other patients who are experiencing the same situation. Many rehabilitation programs provide counseling services and support groups for survivors to heart attack. Survive a heart attack does not mean that life as we knew it before it's over. On the contrary, most of the people leading a full and active life after a heart attack, but it may mean making some positive changes in daily habits.

Thanks for the attention!