A heart attack occurs when most or all of the blood flowing to the heart muscle is blocked off. The blood carries oxygen to the heart muscle, so the blockage may damage the heart muscle.

Most heart attacks occur as a result of a blood clot in a coronary artery, which cuts off blood flow. Another less common cause of heart attack is a spasm of a coronary artery that cuts off blood flow through the artery. These spasms are sometimes related to emotional stress, extreme cold, cigarette smoking, or certain drugs, like cocaine.

Fibrinolytic medication is used to dissolve clots that block the flow of blood to the heart muscle. Heart attack patients should receive a fibrinolytic medication, if indicated, within 30 minutes of arrival in the emergency department. Such patients should also be given aspirin and a beta blocker on arrival and on discharge to prevent further heart muscle damage and to stabilize blood pressure. In addition, advice on lifestyle modifications, such as exercise, diet and smoking cessation, should be given.

Below you will see how often HHC is following best practice standards of heart attack care.