Written By: Prerna Mittra | Updated : September 22, 2024 9:23 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr Anand Ram, consultant interventional cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road
The patient reached the emergency department of the hospital with severe chest pain, profuse sweating, pain radiating to the left arm, and persistent vomiting for 30 minutes. (Photo: Freepik)
It is no secret that many young people are suffering from heart-related conditions and also succumbing to cardiac arrests. While heart conditions were previously thought to be associated with age, nowadays, people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are dealing with heart problems. Doctors blame it on poor lifestyle choices, such as staying up late, eating unhealthy food, not exercising at all, etc. While one must change their lifestyle to incorporate healthy habits, they must also go for regular check-ups. Recently, a 41-year-old man survived a fatal widowmaker heart attack in Mumbai. Read on to find out more about the case.
According to a statement made by Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road -- where the man was treated -- he had undergone an angioplasty, which is an effective treatment for arterial blockages. It improves blood flow and relieves symptoms. The minimally-invasive medical procedure is done to widen narrowed or blocked arteries. Post-discharge, however, the patient abruptly discontinued blood thinners without consulting with his doctor. He then reached the emergency department of the hospital with severe chest pain, profuse sweating, pain radiating to the left arm, and persistent vomiting for 30 minutes. Upon examination, it was found to be a case of left main coronary artery (LMCA) cardiogenic shock syndrome, or widowmaker heart attack, a serious condition with a high mortality rate. It requires prompt and skilled intervention to save a life.
The patient was attended by a team of doctors headed by Dr Anand Ram, consultant interventional cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road. He had to perform a high-risk intervention to save the life of the 41-year-old, who had a 100 per cent stenosis (abnormal narrowing of a blood vessel) of the left main coronary artery.
In May this year, the patient -- with a history of smoking -- was at home when he experienced severe chest pain. He reached Wockhardt Hospitals in a terrible condition; his blood pressure readings were 60 mmHg, which is very low. Doctors realised immediately that his life was in danger!
"This patient's condition had worsened and his ECG revealed extensive anterior wall myocardial infarction, which has the highest mortality," said Dr Anand. He added that within 30 minutes of his arrival, an angiography was performed on the patient, during which, it was revealed that he had had a previous percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) with stenting done to the left anterior descending artery (LAD), some 10 years ago. "But, he had stopped taking his medication four months prior. As such, he needed immediate angioplasty to save his life. His wife could not bear the shock and fainted in the hospital," the doctor revealed.
There were some challenges, though. According to the doctor, the man was shifted to the ICU after angioplasty, and he developed cardiogenic shock due to the large area of myocardial involvement. "The LMCA cardiogenic shock syndrome is a serious condition with high mortality rates. LMCA is also called a widowmaker heart attack, which occurs when a patient experiences a major blockage at the beginning of the left main artery. This artery is a major pipeline for blood, carrying about 80 per cent of the heart's blood supply. If blood flow is 100 per cent blocked at this critical location, it can be fatal without emergency care," Dr Anand explained.
He added that 4-6 per cent of patients who undergo coronary arteriography have significant LMCA disease.
"The patient was discharged after three days of angioplasty in stable condition. He has been able to return to his job and daily routine with regular follow-ups for the last 3 months. He is free of all the symptoms," said the expert.
He, however, urged patients to not discontinue blood thinners or any medication without a doctor's permission, since it can be dangerous and lead to blockages or heart attacks, and even death. "Continuing with the medication is essential for preventing any further emergencies," he concluded.
