What medications are given after a myocardial infarction?
Each year over a million people in the U.S. have a heart attack. About half of them die. Many people have permanent heart damage or die because they don't get help immediately. It's important to know the symptoms of a heart attack and call 9-1-1 if someone is having them. Those symptoms include Show
These symptoms can sometimes be different in women. What exactly is a heart attack? Most heart attacks happen when a clot in the coronary artery blocks the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. Often this leads to an irregular heartbeat - called an arrhythmia - that causes a severe decrease in the pumping function of the heart. A blockage that is not treated within a few hours causes the affected heart muscle to die. Ideally, a health care provider should screen you during regular checkups for risk factors that can lead to a heart attack. A heart attack is often diagnosed in an emergency setting. If you've had or are having a heart attack, care providers will take immediate steps to treat your condition. If you're able to answer questions, you may be asked about your symptoms and medical history. Diagnosis of a heart attack includes checking blood pressure, pulse and temperature. Tests are done to see how the heart is beating and to check overall heart health. TestsTests to diagnose a heart attack include:
More Information
TreatmentEach minute after a heart attack, more heart tissue is damaged or dies. Urgent treatment is needed to fix blood flow and restore oxygen levels. Oxygen is given immediately. Specific heart attack treatment depends on whether there's a partial or complete blockage of blood flow. MedicationsMedications to treat a heart attack might include:
Surgical and other proceduresIf you've had a heart attack, a surgery or procedure may be done to open a blocked artery. Surgeries and procedures to treat a heart attack include:
Cardiac rehabilitationCardiac rehabilitation is a personalized exercise and education program that teaches ways to improve heart health after heart surgery. It focuses on exercise, a heart-healthy diet, stress management and a gradual return to usual activities. Most hospitals offer cardiac rehabilitation starting in the hospital. The program typically continues for a few weeks or months after you return home. People who attend cardiac rehab after a heart attack generally live longer and are less likely to have another heart attack or complications from the heart attack. If cardiac rehab is not recommended during your hospital stay, ask your provider about it. More Information
Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Clinical trialsExplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Lifestyle and home remediesTo improve heart health, take the following steps:
Coping and supportHaving a heart attack is scary. Talking about your feelings with your care provider, a family member or a friend might help. Or consider talking to a mental health care provider or joining a support group. Support groups let you connect with others who have been through similar events. If you feel sad, scared or depressed, tell your care provider. Cardiac rehabilitation programs can help prevent or treat depression after a heart attack. Sex after a heart attackSome people worry about having sex after a heart attack. Most people can safely return to sexual activity after recovery. But talk to your care provider first. When you can resume sex may depend on your physical comfort, emotional readiness and previous sexual activity. Some heart medications can affect sexual function. If you're having problems with sexual dysfunction, talk to your care provider. Preparing for your appointmentA heart attack usually is diagnosed in an emergency setting. However, if you're concerned about your risk of a heart attack, talk to your care provider. A cardiovascular risk assessment can be done to determine your level of risk. You may be referred to a doctor trained in heart diseases (cardiologist). Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment. What you can doWhen you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet. You might need to avoid food or drink for a while before a cholesterol test, for example. Make a list of:
Take a friend or relative along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given. Some questions to ask your provider about heart attack prevention include:
Don't hesitate to ask other questions. What to expect from your doctorYour health care provider is likely to ask you questions, including:
What you can do in the meantimeIt's never too early to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, eating healthy foods and becoming more active. These are important steps in preventing heart attacks and improving overall health. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Symptoms & causesDoctors & departments May 21, 2022 Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references
Related
Associated Procedures
News from Mayo Clinic
Heart attack
AdvertisementMayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. What type of drug therapy may be given immediately after a heart attack?Information. Thrombolytic medicines are approved for the emergency treatment of stroke and heart attack. The most commonly used drug for thrombolytic therapy is tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), but other drugs can do the same thing.
Which treatments can be used for a myocardial infarction?The treatment of MI includes, aspirin tablets, and to dissolve arterial blockage injection of thrombolytic or clot dissolving drugs such as tissue plasminogen activator, streptokinase or urokinase in blood within 3 h of the onset of a heart attack.
|