Can a heart attack be stopped while it's happening?

 Yes, a heart attack can sometimes be stopped or its damage significantly reduced if treated immediately.

The key is rapid recognition of symptoms and calling emergency services without delay, every minute counts, as heart tissue begins to die within minutes of blocked blood flow. Emergency responders may administer aspirin to thin the blood and nitroglycerin to relieve chest pain and improve blood flow.

Once at the hospital, doctors may perform a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), commonly known as angioplasty, where a catheter is used to open the blocked artery and often place a stent to keep it open. In some cases where PCI isn’t available, clot-busting drugs called thrombolytics are administered to dissolve the blockage. Oxygen therapy and medications like beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors are used to reduce heart strain and prevent further damage.

If treatment begins within the “golden hour,” the chances of survival and full recovery greatly improve. However, delaying care even by 30 minutes can lead to irreversible damage or fatal complications.

Remain Blessed & Keep Safe…

What are the symptoms of a massive heart attack?

 A massive heart attack, also known as a STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction), presents with intense and often sudden chest pain or pressure, typically described as a squeezing or crushing sensation in the center or left side of the chest.

This pain may radiate to other parts of the body such as the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, and it often lasts longer than a few minutes or comes and goes. Shortness of breath can occur even at rest, caused by the heart’s inability to pump efficiently due to the blockage. Nausea, vomiting, and a cold sweat are also common and may mimic symptoms of indigestion, especially in women.

The individual may feel lightheaded or dizzy, which could indicate a drop in blood pressure or inadequate blood flow to the brain. A sense of impending doom or extreme anxiety is frequently reported just before or during the attack.

In some cases, especially among older adults or people with diabetes, the symptoms may be subtler, known as a “silent” heart attack.

Immediate medical attention is critical, as delays can lead to irreversible heart damage or death.

Remain Blessed & Keep Safe

4 Signs of an Impending Heart Attack You Should Never Ignore

 A heart attack isn’t always like what you see in movies, where someone grabs their chest and falls to the ground. In real life, the signs can be mild and show up slowly. Knowing these early symptoms could help save your life or someone else’s.

I once had a patient, a 52-year-old man, who came to the clinic complaining of "mild indigestion" and feeling unusually fatigued for a week. He brushed it off, assuming it was just stress. A few days later, he suffered a heart attack. Luckily, he got to the hospital in time, but his story is a powerful reminder—never ignore your body's signals.

How to Suspect a Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is reduced or blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. Chest pain is the most common symptom, but it’s not always present. Here are four key warning signs:

1. Chest Discomfort

This is the classic symptom, but it doesn’t always feel like severe pain. Many describe it as pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest. It can last for a few minutes or come and go.

2. Pain Spreading to Other Areas

Heart attack pain isn’t just in the chest. It can spread to the shoulders, arms (especially the left arm), back, neck, jaw, or even the stomach. Some people mistake it for muscle pain or heartburn.

3. Shortness of Breath & Unusual Fatigue

Feeling out of breath for no clear reason or feeling exhausted even after light activity can be early signs, especially in women. Some people experience extreme weakness or dizziness before an attack.

4. Nausea, Cold Sweats, or Lightheadedness

Some heart attacks cause sweating, nausea, or vomiting, often mistaken for food poisoning or the flu. Feeling lightheaded or fainting can also be a red flag.

What To Do If You Notice These Signs

• Call emergency services immediately. Time is critical. Don’t try to “wait it out.”
• Chew and swallow aspirin (325mg). It helps thin the blood and prevent further clotting.
• Stay calm and rest. Avoid any strenuous activity and sit in a comfortable position.
• If the person is unconscious, start CPR while waiting for emergency services.

Preventing a Heart Attack: Simple Lifestyle Tips

• Eat a heart-healthy diet – More fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and less processed food.
• Exercise regularly – Even a 30-minute walk can improve heart health.
• Manage stress – Chronic stress can increase heart disease risk.
• Quit smoking – One of the biggest risk factors for heart attacks.
• Get regular checkups – Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.

Heart attacks don’t always announce themselves dramatically. Listen to your body, act fast, and spread awareness. You never know whose life you might save.