How Is a Heart Attack Treated?

Early treatment can prevent or limit damage to the heart muscle. Acting fast, at the first symptoms of heart attack, can save your life. Medical personnel can begin diagnosis and treatment even before you get to the hospital.

Certain treatments are usually started right away if a heart attack is suspected, even before the diagnosis is confirmed. These include:

Oxygen
Aspirin to prevent further blood clotting
Nitroglycerin, to reduce the workload on the heart and improve blood flow through the coronary arteries
Treatment for chest pain

Once the diagnosis of heart attack is confirmed or strongly suspected, treatments to try to restore blood flow to the heart are started as soon as possible. Treatments include medicines and medical procedures. Read full article