Herbal Home Remedies for curing Myocardial Infarction

What we usually calla 'heart attack' is myocardial infarction. It is not just insufficiency of blood supply to the heart, but supply to a part is cut off and the affected heart muscle cells die. It is usually a complication of coronary artery disease, as a thrombus or clot forms on an atherosclerotic plaque in the artery and prevents blood flow. At times the obstruction results from other factors e.g. artery spasm or blockage by an embolism or clot coming from elsewhere. The location and extent of the infarct - partly depending on how much alternate collateral blood supply is available from other unaffected arteries - decides the seriousness of the attack. Infarction can lead to changes in heart beat rhythm, fall of blood pressure, shock, cardiac failure or even to severe damage like a rupture. Some patients experience a change in the spread or character of anginal pain shortly before the attack. The symptoms may include anxiety or panic, nausea, vomiting, marked weakness, cold sweats, dizziness and severe breathlessness. The skin may look pale or ashen. The usual spread of pain is similar to that of angina, but often occurs without any precipitating factors like exertion and increases rapidly. In some patients, e.g. diabetics, infarction may occur without pain.

Note: The indicators below suggest a heart attack rather than angina.

1. Pain occurs at rest.

2. It is severe.

3. It is not relieved by rest.

4. It is not relieved by sublingual nitrates repeated twice or thrice.

5. It goes on beyond 30 minutes.

Investigations include lab tests for cardiac enzymes and newer tests like CK-MB, which are more specific for infarction. Other tests include serial ECGs (as changes may occur over some hours to days) and imaging - like chest x-rays and echocardiography.

Home remedy for the treatment of Myocardial Infarction

Consult. A heart attack requires emergency hospitalization. Position the person as comfortably as possible. Talk to him, as reassurance is very important. It is best to move him in an ambulance provided with emergency equipment and trained personnel, who can start life-saving measures quickly. If breathing and pulse stop, emergency mouth-to-mouth breathing and cardiac resuscitation may be required in the interval before medical aid is available.

Note: 1. The initial hours are crucial. Do not delay reaching the hospital. 2. Continuous monitoring in CCU (Coronary Care Unit) is vital as complications are possible both from the disease and the treatment.

Treatment may include oxygen, analgesics (like morphine or pentazocine), and other drugs to dilate arteries, reduce arterial obstruction by dissolving and preventing clots, and regulate heart rhythm. A liquid diet is recommended for the initial 24 hours. After recovery continued treatment and regular follow up are essential. Predisposing factors like diabetes or smoking are dealt with. Follow the doctor's advice for lifestyle changes in diet, exercise and habits. Some patients, after proper evaluation, may benefit from procedures to improve the heart's blood supply - like coronary by pass or angioplasty.