Michael BoveeWhen your doctor diagnoses you with a severe heart condition, it’s important to know the symptoms that will help you recognize whether or not you are having a heart attack.
In most cases, symptoms that can be indicative of a heart attack include pain in your chest, shortness of breath, or dizziness. If a symptom is present for more than 48 hours, it may be an indicator of a potentially life-threatening problem. For example, if you feel like you’re having trouble breathing, you should contact 911 right away to avoid serious consequences.
The most serious form of heart attack is known as a NSTEMI. A NSTEMI is the worst type of heart attack, in which there is an extended interruption in your heart’s blood flow. This is usually caused by a complete blockage of your coronary artery, which could cause extensive internal bleeding.
When this occurs, the result is heart failure, meaning that the heart fails to pump the blood needed for maintaining proper body function. Many people mistakenly believe that just because their chest pain has lasted for a long time, or if you feel lightheaded, dizzy, or have trouble swallowing, that they are experiencing a heart attack. The fact is, NSTEMIs can also be fatal.
However, a NSTEMI does not mean that you are experiencing a heart attack or have died. If you suspect that you may have a heart problem, do not wait for emergency medical professionals to arrive. Instead, go to the nearest hospital and seek immediate treatment. NSTEMI can be treated with medications and can even be managed with surgery.
But if left untreated, it may result in a permanent or temporary disability.
The signs of NSTEMI are often very similar to those of a heart attack. The chest pain may be felt in the morning or at night, or may occur suddenly or over a period of time. It is important to note, however, that it is not a heart attack if the pain is only mild or intermittent. Your doctor will take into consideration how long the pain has lasted, if there is any swelling, whether it is present in one or both of your arms, and if there is pain in the neck, jaw, head, or shoulders.
Symptoms of NSTEMI include a feeling of extreme weakness or dizziness. Some patients may even notice that they are sweating heavily.
If you experience any pain in your chest that lasts for more than two days, especially during the night, your doctor should be contacted immediately.
To get the best treatment for your NSTEMI, contact your doctor immediately for an appointment. Your doctor will first test your blood pressure and ask you questions about your symptoms to rule out serious issues such as a heart attack or a heart disease. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as an arrhythmia specialist, cardiologist, or an electrocardiogram expert. A specialized cardiac specialist may be able to check the progress of your condition by taking a few tests.
As your condition progresses, your doctor will likely treat you with medications to stabilize your NSTEMI, either alone or combined with surgery. These medications may include medication to reduce your heart rate, medicines that lower your cholesterol, and even a special device called a defibrillator that can provide electrical stimulation to reduce damage in your heart muscle. In most cases, however, your doctor will decide to perform a surgery if the damage is too severe to deal with on your own.
After the treatment, you will need to rest and continue with lifestyle changes to prevent another episode of NSTEMI. This will usually involve regular exercise to maintain a healthy heart function and to relieve pain and stress.
A diagnosis of NSTEMI can be difficult to receive and treat because it is not always clear when the first symptom is going to occur. However, if your doctor finds out what is causing your symptoms and if they are not caused by another condition, your condition can be effectively managed. Your doctor may recommend that you wait for a couple weeks or months to see if it goes away on its own but will then recommend that you undergo a more serious treatment. if the condition is left untreated. It is important to contact your doctor immediately for an appointment to discuss your symptoms.