What are the consequences of a heart attack?
The heart attack is caused by hypoxia. The lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to the death of cardiomyocytes, that is, the cells that build the heart muscle, and thus the work of the heart worsens. Irreversible damage occurs within a few to several minutes from the moment the coronary vessel is narrowing.
The longer the blood flow is interrupted, the more the heart muscle is affected. No wonder it is believed that in the event of a heart attack, the most important is the first hour from the onset of symptoms. If first aid is given at this time, the better the prognosis and the less serious side effects of a heart attack.
The consequences of a heart attack are always present. After each attack, the heart muscle must heal – a scar form at the site of necrosis. It takes up to 6 months to form. It should also be remembered that this organ will never be in its previous working condition after a heart attack, so the patient will most likely have to change his lifestyle. To what extent? It depends on several factors. The consequences of a heart attack depend on the
necrotic area of the heart muscle; the time elapsed from the onset of the first symptoms of a heart attack to the provision of assistance; the age of the patient; the general condition of the patient.
Consequences of a heart attack
The consequences of a heart attack include a decrease in the general condition of the body. Damaged heart muscle works much worse. As a result, the patient has a deterioration in physical performance and physical fitness, as well as a decrease in exercise tolerance.
A frequent result of a heart attack is a disruption in its functioning. Necrosis of part of the heart muscle contributes to the development of arrhythmias. This means that the ventricles and atria contract irregularly. Arrhythmia can take different forms and symptoms. Pathologies can often be treated with appropriate pharmacological agents. The most dangerous consequences of a heart attack are ventricular fibrillation, atrial fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia.
The consequences of a heart attack include other cardiac diseases. Many patients develop heart failure. This is a situation where the heart muscle cannot provide enough blood flow to meet the body’s needs. Left or right-sided heart failure is classified as such. The first symptoms are shortness of breath (lying down or exercising), sleep apnea, fatigue, dizziness, and cold hands and feet. However, the symptoms of right ventricular heart failure:
Swelling of the lower extremities, frequent urination (mainly at night), bloating, enlarged liver, and blood clotting disorders.
If someone notices such symptoms after a heart attack, he should immediately contact a cardiologist. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce further complications of myocardial necrosis. Heart failure is the result of a massive heart attack. Another serious consequence of a heart attack is a post-infarction aneurysm. This is a protrusion of the wall of the heart at the site of damage to its tissue. The complication occurs in 3-15% of patients. Abnormalities can be detected by echocardiography. Other consequences of a heart attack include:
Cardiogenic shock, rupture of the heart wall, mitral valve insufficiency, epicarditis, thrombosis, and another heart attack.
The most dangerous is a widespread myocardial infarction. The consequences it causes lead to irreversible damage to the heart muscle.
Heart attack – effect on the heart muscle
The consequences of a heart attack in muscle tissue are, first of all, irreversible damage to its cells (cardiomyocytes). The site of necrosis usually takes about six months to heal. At the site of damage, neutrophilic granulocytes and macrophages remove dead tissue, and granulation tissue appears in its place. The final stage of healing of the heart muscle is scarring.
A post-infarction scar is an electrically deaf creature. This means that the tissue is non-excitable and does not shrink. This lack of electrical activity can be diagnosed with an electrocardiogram (ECG). In most cases, the test protocol remains modified for life. This is a post-infarction scar and tissue damage associated with the consequences of a heart attack described above.
Consequences of a heart attack and daily activities
In all cases, the consequences of a heart attack require changes in daily habits and lifestyle. A patient who has had a heart attack should temporarily give up physical activity and work (but only until the tissues heal). This time is determined by the doctor individually for each case. In addition, it is important:
Quit smoking, reduce or stop drinking alcohol, Healthy nutrition, physical activity adapted to the possibilities, normalize body weight, and systematically monitor your health.
Unfortunately, in some cases, it is not possible to return to work or sports (this happens when heart failure results from a heart attack). Then the patient should find an occupation that suits his abilities. Terminating any activity (professional, physical, social) has negative consequences.
Cardiac rehabilitation and the consequences of a heart attack
Cardiac rehabilitation consists of activities planned from the moment of a heart attack until the end of the patient’s life. Its goal is to reduce the effects of a heart attack by improving physical fitness and body performance, reducing the risk of a second heart attack, increasing patient awareness of healthy lifestyles, providing emotional support, and maintaining professional activity. Very often, cardiologists recommend purchasing ECG MONITORS for home use.
These ECG recorders, such as the KardiaMobile 6L, are usually small and used to monitor the heart. After a heart attack, a mobile ECG like the KardiaMobile 6L will allow you to check any heart rhythm disturbances anytime, anywhere.
The cardiac rehabilitation program is determined individually after a preliminary examination of the patient and assessing his capabilities. Its main element is a physical activity under the supervision of a specialist and independently. Cardiac rehabilitation begins during a hospital stay after a heart attack.
Brief Summary
| What are the consequences of a heart attack? | The heart attack is caused by hypoxia. |
| Consequences of a heart attack | The consequences of a heart attack include a decrease in the general condition of the body. |
| Heart attack – effect on the heart muscle | The consequences of a heart attack in muscle tissue are, first of all, irreversible damage to its cells (cardiomyocytes). |
| Consequences of a heart attack and daily activities | In all cases, the consequences of a heart attack require changes in daily habits and lifestyle. |
| Cardiac rehabilitation and the consequences of a heart attack | Cardiac rehabilitation consists of activities planned from the moment of a heart attack until the end of the patient’s life. |
