Fadi Healthcare

Myocardial Infarction: What You Need to Know About Heart Attacks Dubai, UAE

When it comes to heart health, one term you’ve probably heard often is heart attack. But did you know that the medical term for a heart attack is myocardial infarction? While it might sound complex, it’s a condition that affects millions of people worldwide and can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.

In this article, we’ll break down what a myocardial infarction really is, what causes it, how to spot the warning signs, and what you can do to protect your heart.

What Is a Myocardial Infarction?

A myocardial infarction (MI) occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. Without blood, the heart muscle doesn’t get the oxygen it needs. If blood flow isn’t restored quickly, that part of the heart can become permanently damaged.

Think of your heart as a pump that needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to function. The blood is delivered to the heart muscle through blood vessels called coronary arteries. If one of these arteries becomes blocked by a blood clot or a buildup of fatty deposits (known as plaque), it can cause a heart attack.

What Causes a Myocardial Infarction?

The most common cause of myocardial infarction is coronary artery disease (CAD). Over time, cholesterol and other substances can build up on the walls of your arteries, forming plaque. If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can quickly form, blocking the flow of blood to the heart muscle.

Other factors that can contribute to a heart attack include:

  • Severe spasm of a coronary artery (less common)
  • Drug use (like cocaine or amphetamines)
  • Extreme physical exertion
  • Severe stress

Who Is at Risk?

While anyone can suffer a heart attack, certain factors increase your risk. These include:

Men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55 are at higher risk, though younger people can also experience heart attacks, especially if other risk factors are present.

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

One of the most important things you can do for your heart health is to recognize the warning signs of a heart attack. Quick action can save your life.

Common symptoms include:

  • Chest pain or discomfort: Often described as a tightness, pressure, squeezing, or heaviness in the chest.
  • Pain in other parts of the body: This may include the arms (usually the left), jaw, neck, back, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath: This can occur with or without chest discomfort.
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Cold sweat
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Fatigue: Unusual tiredness, especially in women.

It’s important to remember that symptoms can vary between men and women. Women are more likely to experience shortness of breath, nausea, back or jaw pain, and extreme fatigue.

If you or someone around you shows signs of a heart attack, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Treatment Options for Myocardial Infarction

The goal of heart attack treatment is to quickly restore blood flow to the affected part of the heart. Treatments may include:

  • Medications: Such as blood thinners, clot-busting drugs, pain relief, and beta-blockers.
  • Angioplasty and Stenting: A minimally invasive procedure where a balloon is used to open the blocked artery, often followed by placing a stent to keep it open.
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG): In severe cases, surgeons create a new route for blood to reach the heart muscle by bypassing the blocked artery.

The sooner treatment is started, the better the chances of survival and recovery.

Can Myocardial Infarction Be Prevented?

Absolutely. While not all heart attacks are preventable, many can be avoided by making heart-healthy lifestyle choices:

  • Quit smoking
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a balanced, heart-friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
  • Exercise regularly
  • Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Manage stress

Regular check-ups with your cardiologist are essential, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease.

Conclusion:

A myocardial infarction is a serious medical emergency, but with the right knowledge and quick action, lives can be saved, and lasting damage can be minimized. Understanding the causes, warning signs, and available treatments is the first step in protecting yourself and your loved ones.

If you’re concerned about your heart health or experiencing any unusual symptoms, don’t wait.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Fady Turquieh at www.dubaicardiology.com today for expert, personalized heart care. Your heart deserves the very best

 

Fadi Healthcare

What Is Coronary Intervention and When Do You Need It Dubai, UAE?

Heart disease remains one of the world’s leading health problems — and when a blocked artery threatens your heart’s blood supply, fast action can save your life. That’s where coronary intervention comes in.

In this article, we’ll explain what coronary intervention means, why it’s done, how it works, and when you might need it.

What Is Coronary Intervention?

Coronary intervention is a minimally invasive heart procedure used to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries — the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to your heart muscle.

This technique is most commonly known as angioplasty (with or without stent placement) and is performed by interventional cardiologists like Dr. Fady Turquieh to restore blood flow, relieve chest pain (angina), and prevent heart attacks.

When Is It Needed?

Coronary intervention is recommended when:

  • A patient has severe narrowing or blockage in one or more coronary arteries
  • Medications alone aren’t enough to relieve chest pain
  • There’s a risk of a heart attack
  • During a heart attack, to quickly reopen the artery and save heart muscle

It’s a life-saving and life-improving procedure for people dealing with coronary artery disease.

What Causes These Blockages?

Blockages happen when plaque (a mix of fat, cholesterol, and other substances) builds up inside the artery walls over time. This condition is called atherosclerosis. When a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and suddenly block blood flow to the heart.

Left untreated, this can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, or even a heart attack.

Types of Coronary Intervention

There are a few different types of procedures, depending on the severity of the blockage:

  • Balloon Angioplasty: A small balloon is inserted through a catheter and inflated to open the artery.
  • Stent Placement: A tiny mesh tube (stent) is placed inside the artery to keep it open long term.
  • Drug-Eluting Stents (DES): These stents slowly release medication to prevent re-narrowing of the artery.
  • Drug-Eluting Balloons (DEB): In some cases, a special balloon coated with medication is used to widen the artery without leaving a stent behind.

Each technique is selected based on the patient’s unique condition.

How Is the Procedure Done?

Coronary intervention is a quick, minimally invasive procedure usually performed under local anesthesia.

  • A thin, flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through an artery in the wrist or groin.
  • The catheter is guided to the heart’s arteries using X-ray imaging.
  • A balloon or stent is placed at the blockage site to restore blood flow.
  • The patient is typically awake and can often go home within a day or two.

What Are the Benefits?

Coronary intervention offers several important benefits:

  • Quickly restores blood flow
  • Reduces or eliminates chest pain
  • Prevents heart attacks and other serious complications
  • Less invasive than open-heart surgery
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Can be performed during a heart attack to minimize heart damage

What to Expect After the Procedure

Most patients recover quickly. You might feel tired for a day or two but can usually return to normal activities soon after.

Follow-up care is essential. This includes taking prescribed medications, attending check-ups, and making healthy lifestyle changes to maintain your heart health.

Cardiac rehabilitation programs may also be recommended to strengthen your heart and lower your risk of future heart problems.

Can Coronary Intervention Prevent Future Problems?

While coronary intervention is highly effective, it’s not a cure for heart disease. Lifestyle changes are vital to keep arteries healthy and prevent future blockages.

Important heart health habits:

  • Stop smoking
  • Eat a heart-healthy diet
  • Stay physically active
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Control blood pressure and cholesterol
  • Manage stress levels
  • Schedule regular heart check-ups

Time to Prioritize Your Heart

Coronary intervention has transformed heart care, saving millions of lives by opening blocked arteries without major surgery. If you have risk factors or experience chest pain, don’t ignore it.

Book a heart check-up with Dr. Fady Turquieh at www.dubaicardiology.com today. Early detection and expert care can make all the difference. Your heart deserves it.