Diagnosis and TreatmentWhen a person

enters an emergency ward with a heart or cardiovascular problem, there are procedures to be followed.

Diagnosis and TreatmentFirst, a blood sample is

taken to test if there are proteins present that indicate heart damage.

Then the patient is hooked up to an electrocardiograph which monitors the electrical impulses in the heart and provides a printout called an electrocardiogram (ECG) that shows if the heart is beating normally.

Heart AttacksA heart attack is

caused by blockage of the coronary arteries, the arteries that bring blood to the heart muscle tissue.

The first step in treatment is to take anti-clotting drugs to prevent any further blockage.

Heart Attacks

Next, oxygen is given to ensure enough is reaching all the cells of the body.

The doctor will then read the ECG which tells him/her where the heart muscle has been damaged, but not the extent of the damage.

Heart AttacksTo get more

information, the doctor performs a cardiac catheterization:

1.A catheter is inserted in an artery in the groin or arm area.

2.X-ray dye is injected into the catheter and it is guided along the artery to the blockage.

Heart Attacks

Once at the blockage, another procedure, called angioplasty, occurs:

1.A deflated balloon is inserted into the catheter and guided to the blockage.

2.At the blockage, it is inflated, allowing normal blood flow.

3.A stent is usually left in place to ensure the artery does not narrow again.

Bypass SurgeryAn alternative

treatment to angioplasty is bypass surgery.

Much more complicated and invasive procedure.

A piece of a vein from another region of the body is attached to the clogged artery in order to bypass the clog.

Other Heart ProblemsHeart Disease Category Description

Coronary Artery Disease Blockage of the arteries that supply the heart muscle with oxygen (i.e. a heart attack)

Arrhythmias Malfunctions of the electrical system that controls heartbeat

Valve Disorders Dysfunction of one of the heart valves

Heart Muscle Disease Inflammation or infection of the heart muscle itself

Causes of Heart Disease/ProblemsThe main factors in

causing heart disease are:

1.Obesity/Poor Diet2.Smoking3.Physical Inactivity4.Diabetes5.Heredity (DNA)

PreventionBasically to ensure a

healthy heart, avoid smoking, eat right and exercise daily.

These changes to a person’s lifestyle may be recommended by a doctor if they survive a heart attack or heart disease.