Research shows that factors like invasive coronary strategy, aspirin and beta blockers increase survival risk after a heart attack on studying 389,057 patients.
- University of Leeds researchers studied389,057 patients who suffered a heart attack.
- 5 factors that significantlycorrelated with increased survival after heart attack were identified.
- Invasive coronary strategy found to lower mortality by 46%
Symptoms of a heart attack
It is important to understand the symptoms that could occur during a heart attack to be able to identify an attack, these include –
- Chest pain
- Pain in the hand, back, stomach which can range from being a discomfort to being severe.
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling light headed
The most important aspect in surviving a heart attack is to get the patient to reach a hospital or to receive medical care within the golden hour.
The golden hour is the critical hour from the start of the heart attack and the patient should reach the hospital within this time. Most fatalities occur when the patient does not receive medical care during this period.
A study published by Dr.Hall and colleagues lists the following tips to increase chances for survival after a heart attack. The study was conducted following a decline in the number of fatalities following a heart attack globally and the authors wanted to identify factors that contributed to this decline among non-ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) type of heart attacks.
Tip 1: Invasive Coronary Strategy
- Systolic blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Elevated enzyme levels
Based on these parameters, the risk level was found to be lowered. The mortality also decreased from 10.8% to 7.8% at 180 days.
Tip 2: The use of Aspirin & P2Y12 inhibitor
Aspirin is a blood thinner and is used to restrict the formation of clots which lead to a heart attack. Aspirin is widely used among heart patients and is found to have other associated benefits. Taking aspirin during such an episode helps lowering the fatality.
The use of P2Y12 inhibitor too has been found to be effective as anti-thrombotic therapy. Dominic Angiolillo in their study titled “Update on novel p2y12 inhibitors: focus on prasugrel, ticagrelor, cangrelor and elinogrel”. These drugs inhibit the development of platelets and can lower recurrent heart attacks.
Tip 3: Beta Blockers
Beta blockers work by lowering the heart rate, which lowers the requirement of oxygen by the heart with a reduction in the frequency of heart attacks.
Tip 4 : Angiotenesin Converting Enzyme(ACE):
ACE increases the size of the blood vessels, making them wide. This lowers blood pressure and the risk of another heart attack.
It has been found that the intake of salt lowers the activity of the enzyme and a high salt diet should be avoided.
Tip 5: Statins
Statins are found to lower the level of LDL cholesterol which is considered to be the bad cholesterol. The build up of cholesterol in the body can lead to blockage of the arteries which increases a heart attack risk. Regular intake of statins will help control the risk for a heart attack as a long term strategy.
Though many of these drugs have been in use among heart patients, this study found a significant association between the above factors and survival after a heart attack, thereby reinstating the importance of these drugs in cardiac therapy.
What is non-ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) type of heart attacks?
Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) is a medical emergency and is one of the 3 types of heart attacks or Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).
The three types of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) are as follows -
- STEMI (ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) - a “full” heart attack
- Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)
- & Unstable angina
If the blockage is complete it results in STEMI and the ST segments of the ECG ( or electrocardiogram) become raised or elevated on the tracing and the cardiac enzymes too rise. This will result in death of heart muscle.
However in both unstable angina and NSTEMI, the blockage partial or not complete and the chances of these becoming a "full" heart attack is very high unless an intervention is undertaken. Also both are similar except in other ways too except that in NSTEMI the cardiac enzyme blood tests are abnormal. This indicates that at least some actual cell damage is occurring to heart muscle cells.
Disclaimer: MedIndia does not endorse any of the above factors and individuals need to consult a certified medical professional before undertaking any medication or procedure.
References:
- Aspirin and Heart Disease - (http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/PreventionTreatmentofHeart Attack/Aspirin-and-Heart-Disease_UCM_321714_Article.jsp#.V8UrclR97IU)
- Heart Attack - Symptoms - (https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/conditions/heart-attack)
- Heart and Stroke Statistics - (http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/General/Heart-and-Stroke-Association-Statistics_UCM_319064_SubHomePage.jsp)
- Drug Cabinet: Beta blockers - (https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-matters-magazine/medical/drug-cabinet/beta-blockers)