Myocardial Infarction Management
A heart attack happens when a coronary artery blocks and the muscle it supplies begins to die. Muscle is lost by the minute, and none of it comes back. The whole of treatment is organised around opening that artery quickly, then protecting what remains.
- Primary angioplasty as the first choice
- Cath lab ready around the clock
- Coronary care beds on site
- Rehabilitation planned before discharge
Stay
3 to 5 days
Duration
Artery opened within the first hours
Anaesthesia
Local, for angioplasty
About Myocardial Infarction Management
The fastest way to open a blocked coronary artery is primary angioplasty, done through a catheter in the cath lab. Where that is not possible in time, clot-dissolving medication is used instead. After the artery is open, treatment shifts to protecting the remaining muscle: medication that must be continued, blood pressure and cholesterol brought under control, and a graded return to activity.
- Heart muscle is lost continuously until the artery is opened
- Primary angioplasty is the preferred treatment where available in time
- Medication after a heart attack is as important as the procedure
- Most people return to normal activity within weeks
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about myocardial infarction management. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest myocardial infarction management.
- Confirmed heart attack on ECG and blood tests
- Chest pain with ECG changes suggesting a blocked artery
- Cardiac arrest resuscitated with evidence of a coronary cause
- Heart attack that occurred elsewhere and needs ongoing care
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Diagnosis in minutes
An ECG at the door identifies a completely blocked artery. Blood tests confirm muscle damage. Treatment begins immediately.
Opening the artery
You go to the cath lab for primary angioplasty, where the blockage is opened with a balloon and held open with a stent.
Coronary care
You are monitored continuously for rhythm problems and heart function, and medication is started and adjusted.
Recovery and planning
An echocardiogram assesses the damage, medication is finalised, and a rehabilitation and follow-up plan is set before you go home.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Nothing to prepare - this is an emergency
- Call 108 immediately for chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
- Do not drive yourself or wait to see if it settles
- Family should bring your medication list when they can
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Expect three to five days in hospital for an uncomplicated heart attack
- You will be walking gently within a day or two of the artery being opened
- Medication after a heart attack is long term and must not be stopped without asking
- Driving usually resumes after about a week, and physical work later
- Cardiac rehabilitation and follow-up are arranged before discharge
Why choose Humayun after a heart attack
Everything about heart attack care is a race, and the layout of the hospital is most of what decides it.
- A cath lab on site and staffed at any hour, so the artery is opened here rather than after a transfer
- Emergency, cardiology and cath lab teams called at the same time rather than in sequence
- Coronary care on the same floor as the lab
- Medication, risk factors and rehabilitation planned before discharge rather than at a later appointment
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