Heart attack

Causes

The main cause is a blockage in the coronary arteries that supply oxygen to the heart. This can be caused by:

• atherosclerotic plaques;
• thrombus formation;
• vascular spasm;
• high blood pressure;
• metabolic disorders.

Smoking, excess weight, physical inactivity, and chronic stress also have a negative impact.

Signs

Symptoms depend on the form and severity. The most common are:

• severe pain behind the breastbone, radiating to the arm, jaw, or back;
• shortness of breath;
• sweating and weakness;
• nausea; dizziness;
• anxiety and fear.

Sometimes the picture is blurred, especially in elderly patients or in cases of diabetes. If you suspect a heart attack, call an ambulance immediately.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic methods

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor uses:

• ECG (electrocardiography);
• blood test for tissue damage markers;
• ultrasound of the heart (echocardiography);
• coronary angiography;
• in some cases, MRI.

These methods allow the location and extent of the damage to be assessed and the optimal treatment strategy to be selected.

Treatment

Traditional methods

The main goal is to restore blood flow in the damaged vessel. Anticoagulants, thrombolytics, and drugs that affect blood pressure and heart rhythm are prescribed. Among the most commonly used are:

• aspirin;

• beta-blockers;

• clopidogrel;

• statins;

• ACE inhibitors.

The course of therapy is selected individually, taking into account the patient's condition.

Surgical interventions

If medication is ineffective, the following procedures are used:

• coronary artery stenting;
• aortocoronary bypass surgery;
• balloon angioplasty.

Surgical methods are an important part of heart attack treatment, especially in cases of severe ischemia.

Stem cell therapy

A new direction in regenerative cardiology is the use of the patient's own stem cells to regenerate damaged tissue. The method is still being studied, but it is already being used in experimental programs and is showing positive results.

Consequences

Even after effective treatment, there is still a risk of complications. These may include:

• chronic heart failure;
• arrhythmias;
• repeated ischemic events;
• aneurysm formation;
• thromboembolic complications.

Early diagnosis and constant monitoring help to reduce these risks.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Stages

The rehabilitation process begins in the hospital and continues on an outpatient basis. It includes:

• medical supervision;
• gradual increase in physical activity;
• psychological and medication support.

Nutrition

The diet should be balanced and gentle on the cardiovascular system. It is recommended to:

• limit salt and sugar;
• eliminate fatty and fried foods;
• eat vegetables, lean fish, cereals, and nuts;
• drink enough water.

Physical activity and work

After the condition has stabilized, an individual exercise regimen is selected. Complete rest is contraindicated. A return to work is possible after 1–3 months, provided that the recommendations are followed.

Medication support

Patients continue to take the prescribed medications:

• anticoagulants;
• beta-blockers;
• statins;
• medications to normalize blood pressure.

This reduces the risk of recurrence and maintains a stable condition.

Psychological help

Emotional state plays a key role. After experiencing a crisis, many people experience anxiety and depression. Psychological support helps them adapt and reduce stress levels.

Prevention

Preventive measures are especially important for people at high risk. These include:

• quitting smoking;
• controlling weight and cholesterol levels;
• regular physical activity;
• taking prescribed medications;
• timely treatment of chronic diseases.

A cardiologist will help you develop a personalized prevention program.

Heart attack treatment in Russia

Clinics

In Russia, acute cardiac syndrome is treated at regional and federal centers, as well as at private medical institutions. The clinics are equipped to perform urgent diagnostics, hospitalization, surgery, and subsequent rehabilitation.

Among the major medical networks are:

• EMC (European Medical Center) — a center with international-level service and a professional team that provides emergency care and patient management at all stages;
• Scandinavia Clinic — operates according to European standards, provides assistance in cases of vascular emergencies, and has a 24-hour inpatient ward;
• MEDSI Clinic Network — provides comprehensive diagnostics and recovery after acute conditions. The clinics offer round-the-clock hospitalization and intensive care.

Cost

The price depends on the complexity of the case, the method chosen, and the level of the clinic. Below are approximate prices:

• Stenting — from $2,250. Restores blood flow in cases of vascular blockage.
• Inpatient drug therapy — from $600 to $1,500. Includes medications, monitoring, and IVs.
• Cardiac rehabilitation — from $400 to $1,100 per course (10–14 days). Consists of exercise therapy, monitoring, and training.

MARUS assistance

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