Common Heart Rhythm Disorders Associated With Heart Attack

A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, is often accompanied by various types of arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. Among these, ventricular arrhythmias are the most common. This category includes ventricular premature contractions, short episodes of ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation. Additionally, atrioventricular block and bundle branch block are frequently observed. Notably, the new onset of left bundle branch block can be a significant indicator in diagnosing a heart attack.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Heart Attack

While arrhythmias are common, they are not the only signs of a heart attack. Chest pain is one of the hallmark symptoms, typically located in the center or left side of the chest behind the breastbone. This discomfort can occur even at rest and is often described as intense pressure or a squeezing sensation. Patients may also experience a feeling of suffocation, profuse sweating, and a sense of impending doom. The pain can radiate to the left arm, shoulder, or even the left shoulder blade. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are not uncommon, and some patients may develop fever and elevated white blood cell counts as part of a systemic response.

Severe Complications of a Major Heart Attack

If the area of heart damage is extensive, or if the patient has pre-existing heart conditions, serious complications like cardiogenic shock and heart failure can develop rapidly. These may manifest as low blood pressure, signs of shock, and difficulty breathing. In such cases, immediate medical attention is crucial. Diagnostic tools like electrocardiograms (ECGs) and biomarker tests, especially for cardiac troponin levels, should be promptly conducted to confirm the presence of a heart attack. An echocardiogram may also be necessary to evaluate heart function and confirm the diagnosis.

Immediate Treatment Following a Heart Attack

Once a heart attack is suspected, it is essential to have the patient rest completely and avoid any physical exertion. Oxygen therapy and continuous cardiac monitoring should be initiated. Medications such as aspirin and clopidogrel are commonly administered to prevent further clot formation, and anticoagulant therapy may also be required. The most critical intervention, however, is reperfusion therapy, which aims to restore blood flow to the affected area of the heart. This can be achieved either through thrombolytic (clot-dissolving) drugs or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a procedure that opens the blocked artery using a stent.