Dr. Rx: Getting to the heart of myocardial infarctions
VCU School of Pharmacy faculty, alumni and students have provided the Dr. Rx column for Richmond’s Fifty Plus magazine since December 2009. We now share those columns on the SOP website, as well, for those who might not have seen the most recent issue.
Serving as Dr. Rx for January 2015 was Melinda Ellis, a fourth-year Pharm.D. student. She earned her bachelor of science degree in chemistry and biology from James Madison University. Her focus areas are critical care and oncology.
Dear Dr. Rx: Heart attacks are often portrayed in movies and commercials as dramatic events where people feel excruciating chest pain. Is this how it really feels? How can I prevent having a heart attack?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in four people die from heart disease, and approximately 720,000 will suffer a heart attack yearly. Heart disease is the number one cause of (preventable) deaths in the United States.
Considering recent medical advances, these numbers are overwhelming, and it’s time to get down to the heart of the matter!
Heart attacks, also called myocardial infarctions, occur when there is decreased blood flow to a region of the heart. The most common cause of this is plaque buildup in the arteries surrounding the heart. These plaques can break off, causing blockages. Depending on the severity of the blockage, patients may have varying degrees of symptoms.
The hallmark symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. Typically patients complain of a crushing, squeezing or feeling of fullness in the center or left side of the chest. This may also cause shortness of breath while at rest and pain in the upper extremities and back.
Other less common symptoms include: lightheadedness or sudden dizziness, cold sweats and a persistent tired feeling that is unexplainable. Women, more commonly than men, tend to experience symptoms of nausea/vomiting, shortness of breath and jaw pain in addition to chest pain.
Although you can’t change your family history or your age, you can take charge in other areas of your life to decrease your risk of having a heart attack. Some modifiable risk factors for preventing heart attacks include: quitting smoking; increasing physical activity to 30 minutes a day for most days of the week; and eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Furthermore, if you’ve ever been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, it is important to ensure they are well-controlled as they, too, have effects on your heart health.
Once you’ve had one heart attack, you are at an increased risk of having another; therefore, it is important to take control of your health. Discussing your health goals with your health care provider is a great place to start.
Additionally, being adherent to prescribed medications and self-monitoring are excellent ways to take charge of your health. Just remember, every small change can make a difference, and most results will not be seen overnight.
Most patients will experience chest pain during a heart attack, but it may not be as dramatic as it is portrayed on television. It is imperative that you seek medical attention or call 911 immediately if you experience any of the symptoms discussed above or if you suspect you might be having a heart attack.
To some degree, heart attacks are preventable. Be an advocate for your own health, and make changes that can lead to a heart-healthy life!
Categories Student news