How Is a Heart Attack Treated?

Early treatment can prevent or limit damage to the heart muscle. Acting fast, at the first symptoms of heart attack, can save your life. Medical personnel can begin diagnosis and treatment even before you get to the hospital.

Certain treatments are usually started right away if a heart attack is suspected, even before the diagnosis is confirmed. These include:
     Oxygen
     Aspirin, to prevent further blood clotting 
     Nitroglycerin, to reduce the workload on the heart and improve blood flow through the                  coronary arteries
     Treatment for chest pain 

Once the diagnosis of heart attack is confirmed or strongly suspected, treatments to try to restore blood flow to the heart are started as soon as possible. Treatments include medicines and medical procedures.

1.Medicines 

   A number of different kinds of medicines may be used to treat heart attack. They include the       following. 

    Thrombolytic Medicines 

    These medicines (also called clot busters) are used to dissolve blood clots that are blocking the      coronary arteries. To be most effective, these medicines must be given within 1 hour after the      start of heart attack symptoms. 

     Beta Blockers

     These medicines decrease the workload on your heart. Beta blockers also are used to relieve         chest pain or discomfort and to help prevent additional heart attacks. Beta blockers also are         used to correct arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). 

      Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors 

     These medicines lower blood pressure and reduce the strain on your heart. They also help             slow down further weakening of the heart muscle. 

       Anticoagulants 

       These medicines thin the blood and prevent clots from forming in your arteries. 

       Antiplatelet Medicines 

       These medicines (such as aspirin and clopidogrel) stop platelets (a type of blood cell) from              clumping together and forming unwanted clots. 

       Other Medicines

       Medicines may also be given to relieve pain and anxiety, and to treat arrhythmias, which              often occur during a heart attack.