Heart Attack Warning Signs During Critical Period

Heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction, is a severe cardiovascular condition with a relatively high mortality rate. Despite significant advancements in medical treatments, including medications, minimally invasive procedures, and mechanical interventions, approximately 40% of patients still succumb to this condition. One of the most dangerous complications following a heart attack is heart failure. Once heart failure develops, the patient's condition can deteriorate rapidly, leading to life-threatening situations.

Key Complications After Heart Attack

Life-Threatening Arrhythmias

One of the most critical post-heart attack complications is the occurrence of malignant arrhythmias. These include rapid heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation, which can cause the heart to quiver instead of pumping blood effectively. On the other hand, bradyarrhythmias like third-degree atrioventricular block can significantly slow down the heart rate, impairing blood circulation and causing symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, and even sudden cardiac arrest.

Structural Heart Damage

In more severe cases, heart attacks can lead to structural damage to the heart. This includes potentially fatal conditions such as cardiac rupture, valve detachment, and ventricular aneurysm formation. These complications are particularly challenging to manage and often require urgent surgical intervention. Additionally, patients may experience systemic embolism following a heart attack, where blood clots dislodge and travel to other parts of the body, potentially causing strokes or organ damage.