Diagnosis
You have been admitted to the hospital because you are having a heart attack. The medical name for this is "myocardial infarction" or MI. A heart attack occurs when areas of your heart muscle do not receive blood for a period of time. The heart muscle receives blood through coronary arteries. These arteries can become blocked by fatty deposits, blood clots, or spasm. As a result of poor blood flow, the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen and becomes damaged. Your doctor will perform tests to see how much damage has been done. After a few weeks, scar tissue will develop and in some patient's new small blood vessels will begin to form. The small vessels are referred to as "collateral circulation". It may be several months before the collateral circulation reaches the areas around the damaged heart muscle. While regaining your strength remember to be patient!
What To Expect While In CCU
- Your heart will be monitored at all times. Your heart monitor may alarm or make "beeps". Do not be worried by this.
- Your nurse will check your vital signs often; these include heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature.
- Your doctor will order lab tests, x-rays, and EKGs at various times during your stay. These are normal tests done on anyone who has had a heart attack.
- Your doctor may decide to place special IVs or tubes in the veins leading to your heart. These tubes provide information on how your heart is working.
- You will have an IV access line where intravenous (IV) medications will be administered.
After having a heart attack you may be placed on new medications. These medications are used to increase the blood flow to the heart muscle, decrease the body's need for oxygen, and provide a more regular heart rhythm. If you have a blood clot in one of your coronary arteries, you may be given a special "thrombolytic medication" to try and dissolve the clot. Medicines taken in the past may be changed.
