Conditions Treated
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot forming at the site of a ruptured plaque within a coronary artery. Without prompt treatment to restore blood flow, the affected heart muscle can be permanently damaged. A heart attack is a medical emergency — recognizing the warning signs and acting quickly can save both life and heart muscle.
Act Fast
Warning Signs
Symptoms can vary from person to person and may develop suddenly or build gradually over several minutes:
Chest pain or pressure
Often central, and described as heaviness, tightness, or squeezing.
Spreading discomfort
Discomfort spreading to the arm (especially the left), jaw, neck, back, or upper abdomen.
Shortness of breath
With or without chest discomfort.
Cold sweats, nausea, or light-headedness
Often accompanying the chest symptoms.
Sudden fatigue
Or a feeling of impending doom.
Time Is Muscle
Emergency Treatment
Time is muscle — the sooner blood flow is restored, the better the outcome. Emergency management typically involves:
Immediate emergency response
Calling for emergency medical services rather than self-transport, where possible, since paramedics can begin treatment and monitoring en route.
ECG and rapid diagnosis
To confirm a heart attack and determine its type.
Emergency angiography and Primary PCI
The preferred treatment for eligible patients, in which a blocked artery is opened and stented as quickly as possible, ideally within the first hour or two of symptom onset.
Clot-dissolving medication (thrombolysis)
When primary angioplasty is not immediately available.
Supportive medications
Including antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants, and drugs to stabilize heart rhythm and blood pressure.
Mechanical circulatory support
In select high-risk cases where the heart's pumping function is severely compromised.
The Road Back
Recovery and Prevention
Recovery after a heart attack involves both physical healing and long-term risk reduction:
Cardiac rehabilitation
A structured, supervised program of exercise, education, and lifestyle support that improves recovery and long-term outcomes.
Medications
Typically including antiplatelet therapy, statins, and medications to protect heart function, continued long-term as guided by the treating cardiologist.
Risk factor management
Control of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and body weight.
Lifestyle changes
Smoking cessation, heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, and stress management.
Regular follow-up
Periodic review of heart function and risk factors to detect and address any recurrent issues early.
With timely treatment and sustained secondary prevention, many people go on to lead full, active lives after a heart attack.
Emergency & Follow-Up Care
Expert care when every minute counts
Dr. Godbole has extensive experience in emergency coronary interventions and round-the-clock management of acute heart attack care.
Director & Senior Consultant · Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital, Electronic City
