How to Respond to an Acute Myocardial Infarction

When facing an acute myocardial infarction, the first and most critical step is to call emergency medical services immediately. The patient should be transported to a specialized medical facility as quickly as possible. Upon arrival, paramedics will assess the patient's medical history, perform a brief physical examination, and record an electrocardiogram (ECG). Oxygen therapy is typically administered during transport, and if a heart attack is suspected, a pre-hospital "heart attack pack" may be given.

What Is Included in the Heart Attack Medication Pack?

The heart attack medication pack usually contains a combination of vital drugs aimed at minimizing heart damage. These typically include antiplatelet agents such as aspirin, clopidogrel, or ticagrelor, which help prevent further blood clot formation. Statins like atorvastatin or rosuvastatin are also included to lower cholesterol levels and stabilize the condition of the coronary arteries.

Emergency Treatment at the Hospital

Once the patient reaches the hospital, the emergency cardiac catheterization lab is activated immediately. In the cath lab, interventional cardiologists use catheters to open the blocked artery, often inserting a stent to restore and maintain blood flow. This procedure, known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is crucial for saving heart muscle and improving survival rates.

Alternative Treatment in Remote Areas

In rural or remote areas where immediate access to catheterization labs is not possible, timely transfer may be difficult. In such cases, thrombolytic therapy—clot-dissolving medication—can be administered before transferring the patient to a facility capable of performing emergency cardiac procedures.

Handling Cardiac Arrest Due to Heart Attack

Some patients may experience sudden cardiac arrest as the first sign of a heart attack. In these situations, prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential to maintain circulation until advanced life support is available. The patient should then be rapidly transported to a hospital equipped with advanced cardiac care capabilities for further treatment and monitoring.