Types of Heart Attacks

Heart attacks are the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. Approximately one and half million people suffer from a heart attack every year, and nearly one-third of these heart attacks are fatal. A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when the heart muscle is deprived of blood and oxygen, resulting in partial or significant injury to the heart muscle. Blood supply to the heart can be cut off or reduced by plaque blockages in the coronary arteries. The type of heart attack depends on where the coronary blockage occurs, which can then damage the heart to different degrees.

What Are the Different Types of Heart Attacks?

After an individual has been admitted to the hospital with coronary symptoms, it is important for doctors to determine which part of the heart has been affected and how severe the damage is. Doctors accomplish this task by studying the heart rhythm on an electrocardiogram (EEG) and other relevant tests. After determining the type of heart attack and the extent of the damage, physicians can then provide more accurate information about the patient's prognosis and treatment options.

A Q-Wave heart attack, also known as an ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), occurs when the coronary artery is blocked for an extended period of time. This type of heart attack often results in extensive damage, destroyed heart muscles cells through the full thickness of the heart wall. A heart attack of this nature is generally identified by the presence of atypical Q-waves on an electrocardiogram.

A non-Q-wave heart attack, also known as a non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), occurs when an artery is completely blocked for just a brief period of time. While some blood continues to flow to the heart through other blood vessels, the blood supply is inadequate for the heart muscle.

How Do Different Types of Heart Attacks Develop?

In most cases, heart attacks are the result of something that builds up over years and years. The heart requires a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood, which is supplied by major arteries as well as smaller blood vessels. Over time, plaque cells can build up on the walls of arteries. Eventually, this plaque can create a partial or complete blockage, resulting in a heart attack. The attack can result in minor or major cell death in the heart muscle. When cell damage is severe, it may cause the heart to cease functioning.

Heart attacks may be influenced by a number of different factors, including age, heredity and gender. Risk factors include obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. While people cannot control risk factors associated with genetic history, age and gender, they can reduce their risk by controlling lifestyle factors that contribute to different types of heart attacks. Adequate exercise, a healthy diet and limiting stress can all help reduce the risk of different types of heart attacks. Participating in a self-help program like the Attacking Anxiety & Depression Program can help you adjust your lifestyle to avoid heart problems.