Special note to Dr. Darío Vita

Coordinator of the Coronary Unit at Medical Center . 

What is a heart attack? Why does it occur?

A myocardial infarction, sometimes called a "heart attack," occurs when the heart muscle (myocardium) does not receive enough blood flow, most often due to a blockage in a coronary artery. This lack of blood supply causes a deficit of oxygen and nutrients, which leads to the death of the affected portion of the muscle. In most cases, this blockage is caused by the formation of a clot, usually on an atherosclerotic plaque.

Can it be avoided?

On the one hand, leading a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition and regular physical exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. On the other hand, certain conditions increase a person's risk of having a heart attack. These conditions, known as cardiovascular risk factors, include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of heart attacks at an early age, being overweight, and obesity. If you have any of these factors, controlling them can reduce your risk of having a heart attack. 

Can you continue doing the same activities you did before the heart attack?

It should be noted that not all heart attacks are the same. The ability to continue performing normal activities after a heart attack depends on several factors, including, among other things, the damage to the heart muscle and the treatment received. Therefore, it is important to evaluate each case individually.

How often are medical checkups performed after a heart attack? 

There is no standard frequency for post-discharge checkups. Once again, the characteristics and consequences of the event, the presence or absence of symptoms, and the need or lack thereof to adjust treatment are variables that influence the scheduling of post-discharge visits. 

How important is it to lose weight? Should I change my diet?

Addressing weight is essential for people who are overweight and/or obese. In addition to improving quality of life, reducing weight by 5-10% optimizes control of risk factors such as hypertension and hyperglycemia. Weight loss of more than 10% of baseline weight, in addition to the aforementioned benefits, is associated with a reduced risk of new cardiovascular events and can even reverse risk factors such as type 2 diabetes and other comorbidities such as fatty liver and sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome. However, it is not just a question of weight; it is important to adopt a healthy diet. Current evidence shows greater cardiovascular benefits with the Mediterranean diet and plant-based diets. The consumption of ultra-processed products is discouraged as they increase the risk of cardiovascular events. 

When can I start exercising? 

Most patients can begin walking or some other type of activity one week after discharge, as indicated at the time of discharge. Subsequently, the intensity will be increased gradually on an individualized basis, and it may even be necessary to perform additional tests, such as an exercise stress test, to determine whether the person can return to their usual level of activity. 

Should I sign up for a cardiac rehabilitation program? 

Cardiovascular rehabilitation in specialized centers that develop supervised programs is recommended for all patients after a coronary event. Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs will be adapted to the needs and possibilities of each person. 

Can I fly after a heart attack?

Patients who have undergone scheduled coronary angioplasty have a low risk of complications when flying on commercial flights. If the angioplasty was performed in the context of a heart attack, the patient should be reevaluated, and it is advisable to wait 7 to 14 days before allowing them to fly.

What symptoms should prompt me to go to the emergency room immediately?

The way coronary heart disease manifests itself can vary from person to person. If you experience oppressive pain in the center of the chest or in the left hemithorax, which may or may not radiate to the arms or neck, does not change with breathing or changes in position, and is not fleeting, it is recommended that you activate the emergency system. The same applies if you experience shortness of breath at rest or when performing minimal exertion. Finally, in people who have already had a coronary event, the appearance of the same symptoms as before should also be a reason to seek medical attention or activate the emergency system. 

At the Medical Center Cardiology Center , patients can schedule appointments for medical consultations with highly specialized cardiologists. We can also perform a wide variety of diagnostic tests, such as electrocardiograms (ECG), echocardiograms, stress tests, Holter studies, cardiac MRIs, and cardiac catheterizations, among others. In addition, we offer various medical treatment programs, surgical interventions, and invasive procedures to address all types of heart conditions. If you have any questions, please schedule an appointment with us. We look forward to seeing you.