Q. What are the primary treatments of a heart attack?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
The primary treatments for heart attacks vary depending on the severity and location of the attack, but may include angioplasty to open blocked arteries, medications to treat coronary artery disease, implantation of a stent in coronary arteries or bypass surgery.
Angioplasty is a procedure where a tiny balloon is used to widen narrowed or blocked arteries which supply blood to the heart. It may also involve insertion of stents (flexible mesh-like tubes) inside the artery walls that support them and help maintain their width during healing. Medications such as antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin), nitroglycerin, beta blockers and ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed for those who have suffered from a heart attack to reduce risk of future cardiac events.
In some cases when blockage can’t be relieved by angioplasty alone, your cardiologist can recommend bypass surgery which involves rerouting blood flow around an arterial blockage using alternate channels surgically created using veins taken from your legs or other areas. This creates a detour for blood flow past the blocked area so it will reach its destination without obstruction. Additionally, some patients may require electrical procedures like defibrillation or cardioversion that use electric shocks delivered through wired patches placed on the chest wall in order to restore normal heartbeat rhythm after cardiac arrest has occurred due to irregular electrical activity within the heart itself.
Overall, treatment following a heart attack should depend on each individual case as no two people will experience identical symptoms or require exactly similar measures for recovery; however regardless of what specific plan you pursue with your medical professional(s), taking an active approach towards mitigating risks associated with cardiovascular health is paramount in order preserve optimal health both short and long term – so be sure work closely with your healthcare providers every step along way!