Heart Attack's Associated Pulse Rate: Important Facts to Understand
Approximately half of all heart attacks are associated with at least one risk factor, such as family history of heart disease, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and older age [1]. However, it's important to note that it's possible to have a heart attack with normal blood pressure and pulse.
Heart attacks occur when the heart loses some or all blood flow to the organ, resulting in damage to the heart muscle [2]. The amount and severity of damage depend on the blocked blood flow, oxygen demand of the heart muscle, and speed of treatment.
During a heart attack, the heart may respond in various ways, including an increase or no change in heart rate. The heart may race or beat irregularly due to the heart muscle's impaired function and compensatory mechanisms, but this is not always the case [3]. Some people might experience irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), including sensations of skipped beats or pounding. On the other hand, heart rate can also slow or become irregular, depending on the specific type and severity of the attack.
There are three main types of heart attacks: ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and coronary artery spasm. STEMI can cause an elevated heart rate during the event, but certain types of STEMIs can cause damage to the electrical system of the heart and slow the heart rate [2]. NSTEMI heart attacks may also increase the heart rate.
Common signs and symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort (often described as pressure, squeezing, or fullness), pain or discomfort spreading to the arm, shoulder, jaw, neck, or back, shortness of breath, dizziness or feeling lightheaded, sweating, nausea or vomiting, and extreme fatigue [1][2].
Females are more likely to experience atypical symptoms such as discomfort around the body during a heart attack [1]. Therefore, it's crucial to be aware of these symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if they occur.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of a heart attack should contact emergency services immediately. A doctor or emergency room team may administer a beta-blocker to slow the heart rate during a heart attack, reducing the oxygen demand of the heart [4]. It's important to remember that only a health professional can reliably assess if a heart attack has occurred using diagnostic tests.
After a heart attack, the heart will begin to heal, sometimes creating scar tissue over the damaged area [2]. It's essential to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle and any prescribed treatment to minimise the risk of further heart problems.
In conclusion, while heart attacks can cause changes in heart rate, these changes are not universal. It's crucial to be aware of the common signs and symptoms of a heart attack and seek immediate medical attention if they occur. A heart-healthy lifestyle and prompt medical treatment can help minimise the risk of further heart problems.
References:
[1] American Heart Association. (2020). Symptoms of heart attack. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/symptoms-of-heart-attack
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heart attack. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20351085
[3] Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). What are the symptoms of a heart attack? Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/what-are-the-symptoms-of-a-heart-attack
[4] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). What happens during a heart attack? Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/heart-attack/what-happens-during-heart-attack
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