Heart Attack Treatment
Initiating treatment as soon as symptoms begin is the most important factor in preventing or minimizing permanent heart damage. The treatment goal is to open the blocked artery and restore blood flow to the heart before permanent damage or death occurs. The accredited Chest Pain Centers at WellStar Cobb, Douglas and Kennestone hospitals have recognized rapid response times for initiating treatment for a heart attack.
Medication
Some of the same medications prescribed to prevent heart attack can also be used to stop a heart attack. Since heart attacks occur when your blood clots at the site of a ruptured plaque, the medicines needed are those that stop the clotting. Prescribed medications might include:
- Aspirin
- Thrombolytics, also called clotbusters
- Superaspirins
- Other blood-thinning medications
- Pain relievers
- Nitroglycerin
- Beta blockers
- Cholesterol-lowering medications
Heart Attack Surgery
Surgical approaches for heart attack include: