Every Minute Matters: UAE cardiologists urge rapid response to heart attack warning signs

Heart attacks do not come with a countdown, but the clock starts ticking the moment a blocked coronary artery stops oxygen from reaching the heart muscle. The longer the blockage remains, the more damage occurs, and the greater the risk of permanent harm. UAE cardiologists stress the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking emergency care promptly to minimize the risk of lifelong cardiac complications.

Time is of the essence in treating heart attacks. Every minute that the heart lacks oxygen can lead to irreversible damage. Dr Debabrata Dash, a consultant interventional cardiologist at Aster Hospital in Dubai, explains that "getting medical help quickly can save heart muscle and, most importantly, save a life." Immediate treatment can restore blood flow, reduce heart damage, prevent serious complications like heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms, and improve chances of recovery.

Symptoms of a heart attack can vary, but chest pain is the most common sign. However, symptoms such as breathlessness, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and pain in the arms, neck, or jaw should never be ignored. Dr Mahmoud Traina, a staff physician at the Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute in Abu Dhabi, warns that "it is equally important to recognise the warning signs of a heart attack.

Chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain or numbness in the arms, or pain in the jaw, neck or back should never be ignored. If someone experiences symptoms that could indicate a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately."

Misdiagnosing heart attack symptoms as indigestion, exhaustion, or temporary discomfort can delay treatment. Dr Mahmoud Farouk Elmahdi, a consultant interventional cardiologist at Zulekha Hospital, notes that some patients may present with atypical complaints like severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or loss of consciousness.

Age, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, and family history can increase cardiovascular risk. If symptoms suggestive of a heart attack appear, Dr Sundar Kumar Ganesan, a consultant interventional cardiologist at PRIME Hospital, advises activating emergency medical services immediately. Dr Khaled Mohamed Farrag, a consultant cardiothoracic surgeon at Thumbay University Hospital, emphasizes the priority: "My advice is simple: if you suspect a heart attack, call an ambulance immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to settle or drive yourself to hospital."

Upon arrival at the hospital, medical assessment and monitoring are conducted during the ambulance journey. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can reveal electrical changes associated with a heart attack, while blood tests and other assessments help diagnose the condition and determine appropriate treatment. For patients experiencing a heart attack caused by a completely blocked coronary artery, emergency angioplasty is crucial.

This procedure involves advancing a catheter through a blood vessel to the affected coronary artery, opening the blockage, and placing a stent to maintain blood flow. Dr Farrag explains, "Our priority is to restore blood flow quickly through appropriate medicines or procedures such as angioplasty. Early treatment can save heart muscle, protect the heart's pumping ability, and improve survival."