This is the leading cause of unexpected deaths that we frequently hear about. Heart attacks bring death to people in every country without any age group or an age gap. So, without any limitations, knowing about heart treatments, how a heart attack occurs, and how to prevent it is essential. If you live in Sri Lanka, this article will be handy in finding the best place to get your treatment. A person who is out from Sri Lanka can review the article and get the necessary awareness, though.

What is a heart attack?

Simply put, a heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, is a medical emergency when the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle is clogged, typically by a buildup of fatty residues in the coronary arteries. This can damage part of the heart muscle, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. If not treated promptly, a heart attack can be deadly.

What causes a heart attack?

Coronary heart or artery disease leads to results in most heart attacks. A waxy essence called plaque builds up in the arteries. This is called atherosclerosis. It takes years for the plaque to build up. When the plaque breaks up, it travels through the bloodstream. This creates blood clots. The clots slow or stop blood flow to the heart. Then the heart doesn’t get enough oxygen. The tissue not receiving the oxygen begins to die.

Risk factors for a heart attack include:

• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Age. Risk increases for men older than 45 and women older than 55 (or after menopause). About 83% of people who die from heart disease are 65 or older.
• High cholesterol levels
• High blood sugar
• Family history of heart attack
• Lack of exercise
• High blood pressure 
• Stress
• Obesity
• Gender. More men have heart attacks.

A less typical cause of heart attack is a painful spasm, or tightening, of a coronary artery. This can happen in an artery that doesn’t have plaque buildup. Instead, the tightening cuts off the blood flow. Spasms aren’t as well understood as a cause of heart attacks. They seem to be related to the following:

• Taking specific drugs, such as cocaine
• Cigarette smoking
• Exposure to extreme cold
• Severe emotional pain or stress

Recognizing the Signs: What You Need to Know

Heart attacks can happen to anyone, and identifying the symptoms can be critical for getting help quickly. Some of the most common signs of a heart attack include the following:

• Chest discomfort, which may feel like pain, pressure, tightness, heaviness, or burning
• Pain or discomfort in the neck, shoulders, lower jaw, arms, upper back, or abdomen
• Shortness of breath that lasts more than a few seconds

Other symptoms that may occur include:

• Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or faint
• Nausea and vomiting
• Unusual sweating
• Overwhelming fatigue
• Anxiety
• Heart palpitations, which can feel like your heart is beating fast or irregularly
• Unexplained fatigue that lasts for several days

It’s important to note that some people may experience only a few symptoms. If you suspect that you or someone else may have a heart attack, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.

Heart attack treatments that are available in Sri Lanka

Heart attack is a common and serious health concern in Sri Lanka, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. If you experience heart attack symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat, you must seek medical treatment immediately. This section discusses the best heart attack treatment options in Sri Lanka.

1. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – You can immediately dial emergency service(1990) when such an incident occurs. The nearest hospital will send you an ambulance equipped to provide life-saving interventions. They may include oxygen supplies, performing CPR, and delivering medications to treat heart attacks. Calling an ambulance is the first step to getting the best heart attack treatments if you suspect you or someone else has a heart attack.
2. Sri Lankan hospitals have specialized departments for heart care, including cardiology and cardiac surgery. If you arrive at a hospital with symptoms of a heart attack, you will undergo a series of tests and examinations to determine the severity of the attack and the best course of treatment.
3. Medications – Various medications treat heart attacks, including aspirin, thrombolytics, and antiplatelet drugs. Aspirin is a widely used and effective medication that helps to prevent blood clots from forming and worsening the heart attack. Thrombolytics are potent drugs that dissolve blood clots and restore blood flow to the heart. Antiplatelet drugs prevent blood clots from forming, reducing the risk of future heart attacks.
4. Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) – CABG is a surgical procedure that bypasses blocked or narrowed arteries to restore blood flow to the heart. This procedure is typically performed on patients with multiple blocked arteries or a previous heart attack. During the surgery, a healthy blood vessel from another body part bypasses the blocked artery, improving blood flow to the heart.
5. Lifestyle Changes are critical in preventing heart attacks and reducing the risk of future heart problems. These changes include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Reducing stress levels and getting enough sleep are crucial for maintaining a healthy heart.

In conclusion, if you experience heart attack symptoms, it is essential to seek medical treatment immediately. The best heart attack treatments in Sri Lanka include emergency medical services, specialized hospital heart care departments, medications, CABG, and lifestyle changes. Heart attack patients can recover and lead healthy and active life with emergency treatment and proper care.

It is important to remember that prevention is key to heart attacks. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and seeking medical attention for symptoms are all essential steps in preventing heart attacks and reducing the risk of future heart problems.

If you are feeling like any disorder or some pain related to your heart or any other symptom listed in this article, immediately download Deedmed Lives mobile application from the Google Play store or Apple store and make an appointment with a cardiovascular surgeon to understand further about the best heart attack treatments that match perfectly for you. Deedmed Lives is designed to supply instant and best medical advice, services, and medicine. We will always be with you!