Providing independent clinical excellence since 2005
Posted on Thursday April 4, 2024 in Heart Health
When we hear the term “heart attack,” it often conjures images of blocked arteries and emergency procedures to restore blood flow to the heart. Typically, this is due to coronary artery disease, where plaques build up in the coronary arteries, leading to conditions like myocardial infarction ( caused by coronary thrombosis). In cases of fatality, post-mortem terms like “atherosclerosis” or “acute myocardial infarction” highlight a direct link to this arterial blockage.
However, the medical understanding of a “heart attack” can sometimes diverge from the layperson’s perception. Many people interpret a heart attack as any acute, potentially fatal cardiac event, regardless of its cause. This discrepancy necessitates a deeper exploration of heart attack causes unrelated to coronary artery disease, particularly for understanding familial risks and discussing preventative measures like statins.
Understanding that heart attacks can stem from a myriad of causes beyond coronary artery disease is crucial. This knowledge not only aids in accurate diagnosis and treatment but also in the preventive strategies and genetic counseling for families prone to non-atherosclerotic cardiac conditions. As we expand our perspective on what constitutes a heart attack, we pave the way for more personalized and effective cardiovascular care, ensuring that each patient receives the right attention based on the underlying cause of their cardiac event
The idea of predicting a heart attack may have once seemed like science fiction, but it is rapidly becoming a reality. With the advent of advanced imaging techniques and artificial intelligence, we are now able to detect the early signs of coronary heart disease and intervene before a heart attack occurs. This represents a major shift in the way we approach cardiovascular care, moving from a reactive model to a proactive one.
Is is increasingly obvious that not everyone with raised coronary inflammation and elevated risk of heart attack simply has a raised LDL Cholesterol- in fact there appears to be a mixed bag of risk factors associated with high coronary artery inflammation, including raised LDL, raised LP (a), raised Homocysteine, hypertension and dysregulated glucose. Our metabolic health assessment is therefore designed to offer a comprehensive dive into known contributory causes, the latest and most controversial of which is 'glucose dysregulation', the principle topic of this article.
For patients who have been diagnosed with an acute coronary syndrome, requiring bypass surgery or stent, or have CT Angiography and or raised FAI.
Ultimately, the approach to cardiac CT screening is highly individualized, reflecting the diverse presentations and risk factors among patients. By employing a sophisticated pre-consultation process, cardiologists can tailor their assessment and management plans to best suit each patient's unique needs, enhancing the precision and effectiveness of cardiac care.
There are two main reasons left atrial thrombus forms then detaches to cause embolic stroke. The first is that during atrial fibrillation or flutter, a thrombus may develop in the left atrial appendage, which does not move as much as it does when in sinus rhythm. The likelihood of this occurring in any given year is low, correlated to the CHA2DS2-VASc score. The second reason is not related to CHA2DS2-VASc score
While aiming for the lowest possible blood pressure without experiencing adverse effects, individuals can explore a range of non-pharmacological strategies to maintain or improve their cardiovascular health. Personalised experiments, supported by accurate home monitoring, can lead to significant insights and potentially delay or reduce the need for medication, contributing to a healthier, longer life.
In the absence of strong evidence, a pragmatic approach involves educating patients about the current knowledge gaps while encouraging lifestyle changes that are generally beneficial. These include reducing carbohydrate intake, choosing lower glycemic index foods, increasing physical activity, and improving sleep quality. Such measures are unlikely to be harmful and could potentially lead to improved overall health and well-being
The hallmark feature of OSA is the repetitive cycle of breathing cessation followed by gasping or choking as the body attempts to restore airflow. These disruptions can occur multiple times throughout the night, impacting the individual's overall sleep quality and daytime functioning.