Caring for the human heart

The human heart is about the size of a fist.

Mar 12, 2007 Sylvia McGrath

The human heart is about the size of a fist and weighs between 200 to 425 grams. It sits between the lungs and the middle of the chest, a little left of the breastbone.

The human heart is about the size of a fist and weighs between 200 to 425 grams. It sits between the lungs and the middle of the chest, a little left of the breastbone. Surrounding the heart is a “sac-like” double-layered membrane called the pericardium. Blood containing oxygen comes from the lungs and enters the heart. Coronary arteries deliver blood to the heart muscle providing oxygen and nutrients in a continuous supply; these are needed for the heart to stay healthy and function correctly.

Coronary artery disease is a slow buildup of plaque on the inside of the coronary arteries; over time the plaque (made of fat, cholesterol, and other substances) deposits grow large enough to block an artery inside the channel and decrease the blood flow to the heart muscle. A blood clot can form if the plaque becomes unstable and ruptures - this results in a heart attack. The medical term for a heart attack is “Myocardial infarction” (when there is permanent damage to the heart muscle.)

Heart Attack Symptoms:

• Chest pain (Angina)
• Pain in the upper digestive tract (similar to heartburn)
• Sweating
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Palpitations (the heart feels as though it is racing or pounding)
• Weakness or tiredness
• Dizzy or fainting

If you have any of these symptoms get medical treatment quickly, it could save your life.

Treatments for a heart attack:

The best thing is to go by ambulance to a hospital, then treatment and care can be started to restore blood flow and restrict damage to the heart. Medication may also be included in the treatments.

Medications:

• Nitroglycerin (Usually prescribed by a doctor for chest pain – to be taken as soon as the pain starts, wait 5 minutes. If no better call 911)
• Aspirin to prevent blood clots.
• Thrombolytics: Medicines to break up blood clots (these must be taken within a few hours of the attack to be of any help.)
• Medicines to ease pain
• Medicines to prevent abnormal heart rhythms (which can be life threatening)

Tests:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG): detects signs of poor blood flow, heart damage and other heart problems.
• Blood Tests: To check for cardiac enzyme levels (high levels usually indicate heart damage.)
• Cardiac Catheterization: a flexible thin tube is inserted in an artery in either the groin or arm and carefully guided into the heart.
• Catheter Placement: A dye is injected so that the coronary arteries show up on a computer screen allowing the doctor to see how the heart is working and if there are any blocked coronary arteries.
• Angioplasty: has been the preferred treatment. A catheter that has a small balloon at the end is guided into the blocked artery and inflated, where a metal stent is put in place widening the artery and restoring the blood flow.
• Bypass Surgery: redirects blood around the blocked artery.

Once you have had a heart attack or bypass surgery, it is important to take part in a cardiac rehab program. This program is designed by doctors and other specialists. It is to help reduce the risk of more heart problems, by learning how to exercise and eat a balanced diet.

Prevention:

• Don't smoke
• Eat healthy diet: which includes fish, fruits, vegetables, beans high-fiber breads and olive oil.
• Exercise 3 – 5 times a week:check with doctor first.
• Control cholesterol
• Control blood pressure
• If diabetic: keep sugar levels at target levels
• Stress management
• Take a daily regular strength aspirin - If prescribed by doctor.

For more information: ww2.heartandstroke.ca, www.bhf.org.uk, www.americanheart.org

The copyright of the article Caring for the human heart in General Medicine is owned by Sylvia McGrath. Permission to republish Caring for the human heart in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.