The heartbreakingly high toll of cardiovascular disease in South-East Asia is enough to make anyone’s pulse race. With a staggering 4 million lives lost annually, CVD is the grim reaper of the region, responsible for nearly one-third of all deaths1.
Heart attacks have been on the rise in recent years and can be life-threatening. They are typically caused by a combination of lifestyle and genetic factors. While all heart attacks require urgent medical attention, the most perilous type is known as a STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction), also called a “widowmaker” heart attack. The term “widowmaker” derives from its lethal nature, as it poses a significant threat to one’s life2,3.
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What is a widowmaker heart attack?
A widowmaker heart attack is a serious condition where a blockage develops at the beginning of the LAD artery, leading to a complete obstruction of blood flow to a significant portion of the heart, particularly the front region responsible for its effective functioning. A blockage in this critical artery can severely impair the heart’s ability to function3.
The onset of a widowmaker heart attack can lead to rapid deterioration of the heart muscle, resulting in weakness, cessation of activity, or electrical instability interrupting its pumping action within seconds or minutes after the blockage occurs. Without prompt restoration of blood flow, the affected heart muscle may suffer irreversible damage 2.
How serious is a widowmaker heart attack?
A widowmaker heart attack poses an immediate threat to life. This is due to the fact that the LAD supplies approximately 50% of the blood flow to the heart muscle3.
What causes a widowmaker heart attack?
A widowmaker heart attack can be caused by atherosclerosis, cholesterol accumulation, and other deposits in the LAD artery. Additionally, a blood clot can obstruct the LAD artery, resulting in a widowmaker heart attack3.
According to experts, several factors can increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing a widowmaker heart attack. These factors include being over the age of 45, having a family history of heart problems, practicing poor eating habits, smoking, having a sedentary lifestyle, and being diagnosed with obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol2.
Why is it more dangerous than others?
The widowmaker heart attack is unique in that it poses an immediate threat to life. Statistics show that half of heart attack fatalities occur within the first few hours after symptoms manifest. This is because a significant portion of the heart muscle suddenly loses its blood supply due to blockage in the crucial left anterior descending (LAD) artery, which provides over 50% of the heart’s blood. This can result in an instant fatality, and among the survivors, 10% do not make it beyond a year2.
The damage, complications, and outcome of occluding the widowmaker artery are more severe compared to other arteries, as it supplies a larger area of the heart muscle2.
What are the symptoms?
According to medical professionals, the symptoms of widowmaker heart attack are comparable to those of other types, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, upset stomach, fatigue, lightheadedness, and pain in other areas of the upper body, including the arms, shoulders, neck, jaw, or back2,3.
How to prevent it?
There are numerous ways to lower the chances of experiencing a widowmaker heart attack. Some of these ways include2,3:
- Choosing foods that are low in saturated fats.
- Restricting your sugar consumption.
- Managing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
- Steering clear of tobacco products.
- Engaging in at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
- Maintaining a healthy weight for your body.
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References
- World Heart Federation. South East Asia. Available at: https://world-heart-federation.org/where-we-work/south-east-asia/
- What is a widowmaker heart attack, and why is it more dangerous than others? [Cited: 2 March 2023]. Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/widowmaker-heart-attack-causes-symptoms-risk-factors-prevention-8471035/
- Widowmaker Heart Attack. [Cited: 2 March 2023]. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24507-widowmaker-heart-attack#:~:text=A%20widowmaker%20heart%20attack%20happens,Request%20an%20Appointment
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