An acute infarct, commonly known as a heart attack or stroke, is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Recognising the symptoms at the right time can make the difference between life and death. This post discusses the many ways to spot an acute infarct and the critical steps to take for timely treatment.

If you are looking for advanced and effective acute infarct treatment, it is essential to consult with specialists at reputed hospitals where the latest medical techniques are used to treat heart and brain infarcts.

What is an Acute Infarct?

An acute infarct occurs when there is a sudden blockage in the blood supply to an organ, leading to tissue damage. There are two main types of acute infarcts:

1. Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack): When the blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, causing damage or death of the heart tissue.
2. Cerebral Infarction (Stroke): When a blockage in the brain’s blood vessels causes brain tissue to die.

Both types of acute infarcts require urgent medical intervention to minimise damage and prevent long-term complications.

Recognising the Symptoms of an Acute Infarct

Time is of the essence when dealing with an acute infarct. Knowing how to recognise the signs and symptoms early can be crucial for seeking prompt medical help.

Signs of a Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

• Chest Pain or Discomfort: The most common symptom of a heart attack is sudden chest pain or discomfort. This pain may feel like a heavy pressure, squeezing, or fullness in the chest.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or feeling winded can be a sign that the heart is not pumping effectively.
• Pain Radiating to Other Areas: Pain may extend to the left arm, jaw, back, shoulders, neck, or even the stomach.
• Cold Sweats or Nausea: Sweating excessively, feeling nauseous, or vomiting can be symptoms that accompany a heart attack.
• Dizziness or Light-headedness: A feeling of faintness or dizziness may occur due to poor blood flow to the brain.

Signs of a Cerebral Infarction (Stroke)

• Sudden Numbness or Weakness: A person may experience sudden numbness or weakness, particularly on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg).
• Confusion or Trouble Speaking: A stroke victim may have difficulty understanding others or speaking clearly.
• Sudden Vision Changes: Blurry or double vision or sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes can indicate a stroke.
• Severe Headache: A sudden, intense headache that feels different from previous headaches could be a warning sign of a stroke.
• Loss of Balance or Coordination: Difficulty walking or maintaining balance, especially if combined with other symptoms, could suggest a stroke.

What to Do If You Suspect an Acute Infarct

If you or someone else exhibits symptoms of an acute infarct, take immediate action to reduce the risk of severe complications. Here are the critical steps:

1. Call Emergency Services Immediately: Dial emergency services as soon as you notice symptoms of an acute infarct. Time is critical, and every minute counts in saving lives and minimising damage.
2. Stay Calm and Avoid Exertion: If experiencing chest pain, try to stay as calm as possible. Avoid physical exertion and find a comfortable position while waiting for medical help.
3. Administer Aspirin (if appropriate): If the person is conscious and has no allergies to aspirin, chewing an aspirin is advisable. This can help prevent further clotting in the case of a heart attack.
4. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of symptoms and note the time when they started. This information will be important for medical professionals when determining the best course of action.

Acute Infarct Treatment: What to Expect at the Hospital

Once at the hospital, treatment for an acute infarct will begin immediately. The type of treatment administered depends on whether it is a heart attack or stroke, but the goals of treatment are the same: to restore blood flow and prevent further damage.

Heart Attack Treatment

• Medications: Thrombolytics (clot-busting drugs) may be administered to dissolve the clot blocking the heart’s blood flow. Other medications, such as blood thinners, may be given to prevent further clots.
• Angioplasty and Stent Placement: If medication alone is not enough, doctors may perform angioplasty to open blocked arteries, followed by placing a stent to keep the artery open.
• Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG): In severe cases, bypass surgery helps reroute blood around the blocked artery.

Stroke Treatment

• Clot-Busting Medications: For ischemic stroke (caused by a blood clot), clot-busting medications such as tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can help dissolve the clot and restore blood flow.
• Mechanical Thrombectomy: In certain cases, using a catheter helps physically remove the clot from the blood vessels.
• Surgical Intervention: In cases of bleeding stroke (hemorrhagic stroke), surgery becomes necessary to stop the bleeding and reduce pressure on the brain.

Post-Treatment Care and Rehabilitation

Post-treatment care and rehabilitation is necessary to prevent recurrence. Depending on the severity of the infarct, rehabilitation after an acute infarct treatment may include:

• Cardiac Rehabilitation: For heart attack patients, this includes physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and psychological support to help them return to daily activities.
• Neurological Rehabilitation: Stroke survivors may undergo physical, occupational, and speech therapy to regain lost abilities and improve their quality of life.

Preventing Future Acute Infarcts

While not all acute infarcts can be prevented, several lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of experiencing another one:

• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced, heart-healthy diet can help manage cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps improve circulation and strengthens the heart.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes, so quitting is crucial for long-term health.
• Manage Chronic Conditions: Control conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol to reduce the risk of an infarct.

Conclusion

An acute infarct is a critical condition that demands quick recognition and medical intervention. Whether it’s a heart attack or a stroke, getting help early can save lives and reduce the risk of long-term issues. If you think you or someone else might be having an acute infarct, don’t hesitate to seek medical assistance right away. For specialised treatment of acute infarcts, you can consult experts from reputed hospitals like Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai, where they offer advanced care and the latest medical technologies to effectively address heart and brain infarcts.