Widowmaker heart attack: Everything you need to know

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A widowmaker heart attack occurs when a blockage forms at the beginning of the LAD artery, completely restricting blood flow to a large portion of the heart, including the front part, which is the “workhorse” for the heart. A blockage in the LAD artery can substantially impair the heart’s function.

Within just a few seconds or minutes after the blockage forms, the heart muscle may become extremely weak, stop working, or have electrical instability that causes it to stop pumping. If the restoration of blood flow does not take place quickly, the heart muscle may die irreversibly.

Most heart attacks occur as a result of coronary artery disease (CAD). People develop CAD when cholesterol-rich deposits called plaque accumulate in the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. The buildup of plaque inside the artery walls is called atherosclerosis.

Widowmaker heart attacks have severe consequences. Even if a person receives treatment, the heart attack can cause irreversible tissue damage and scarring that can permanently affect the functioning of the heart muscle.

A widowmaker heart attack causes symptoms similar to those of other types of heart attack. However, not everyone experiences the same symptoms.

Symptoms of a heart attack may include:

• chest pain or discomfort
• shortness of breath
• rapid or irregular heartbeat
• pain in the arms or shoulder
• pain that radiates into the legs, back, neck, or jaw
• feeling light-headed or weak
• fainting or sudden cardiac arrest
• excessive sweating
• vomiting

The signs and symptoms of a heart attack can be different in females — learn about the differences here.

Anyone who thinks that they or another person may be having a heart attack should call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Doctors can minimize damage to the heart and even stop a heart attack entirely if they administer treatment early on.

At the emergency room, people may receive one or more of the following treatments:

• aspirin and blood thinner therapy to prevent further blood clotting
• oxygen therapy
• nitroglycerin to improve blood flow
• thrombolytic medicines to dissolve blood clots in the coronary arteries

A doctor can treat a total LAD artery blockage with a procedure called a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Doctors previously referred to this as an angioplasty with a stent.

This procedure involves the following steps:

1. A doctor inserts a catheter into the artery in the groin or wrist.
2. The doctor guides the catheter through the artery until it reaches the LAD artery.
3. They may suction the clot or inflate the balloon on the tip of the catheter, which helps open the artery. Sometimes, they may do both.
4. Then, they insert a mesh tube called a stent into the artery. Once in place, the stent expands to hold the artery open so that oxygenated blood can flow to the heart.

A doctor will closely monitor a person’s recovery after a heart attack. Usually, the person will need to spend 2–3 days in the hospital, with the first 24 hours in the intensive care unit. Even after the PCI has opened up the artery, the heart is at risk of electrical complications for the first few days afterward.

A doctor may recommend surgery if they find blockages in other arteries. Surgical procedures that can treat and prevent heart attacks include:

• A coronary artery bypass graft, which restores blood flow to the heart by rerouting the blood through a graft (a vein or artery vessel) so that it goes around the blockage.
• PCI or stent placement in the other blood vessels that supply blood to the heart, if doctors find a leaky or blocked valve.
• A valve replacement, which involves replacing a damaged or diseased heart valve with a healthy one. The replacement valve usually comprises cow or pig heart tissue or is a mechanical metal heart valve.

The authors of one 2018 study found that widowmaker heart attacks led to the highest increased risk of death, heart failure, and stroke in comparison with other types of heart attack.

However, the likelihood that someone will survive a widowmaker heart attack depends on numerous factors, such as:

• how quickly they receive treatment
• the type of treatment that they receive
• the extent of the damage to the heart muscle
• the person’s overall health status
• the presence of other medical conditions

The following risk factors can lower a person’s chances of surviving a heart attack:

• older age
• smoking
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• peripheral artery disease
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• chronic liver disease
• having a history of stroke or cancer

Medical advances have significantly increased heart attack survival rates. However, people who survive their first heart attack have a higher risk of having a second heart attack or a stroke compared with people who have never had a heart attack.

In a 2015 retrospective study of 97,254 Swedish adults who survived a heart attack between 2006 and 2011, the researchers concluded that people who survive a heart attack have an 18.3% chance of experiencing another cardiovascular event within the first year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50% of people living in the U.S. have at least one of three major cardiovascular risk factors. These major risk factors are:

• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• a history of smoking

People can reduce their risk of having a heart attack by making healthful lifestyle choices and managing any underlying medical conditions that may contribute to a heart attack.

People of all ages and those currently living with heart disease can help prevent heart attacks by:

• eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins
• avoiding artificial trans fats and added sugars
• limiting alcohol consumption
• avoiding or quitting smoking
• doing at least 2.5 hours (150 minutes) of moderately intense physical activity per week
• reducing stress
• maintaining a moderate body weight

People can also take medications that lower their blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

However, it is important to speak with a doctor before starting any new medication, even over-the-counter drugs, such as aspirin. Newer studies have shown that low dose aspirin may not be beneficial except in people who have already had a prior heart attack or stroke or those who have specific risk factors, such as diabetes.

A widowmaker heart attack occurs when a blood clot or cholesterol plaque completely blocks the LAD artery, which supplies oxygen-rich blood to the front of the heart.

The total blockage of the LAD artery is a serious problem that requires immediate treatment. Delayed treatment for a heart attack can lead to significant tissue damage and scarring. It can be life threatening or lead to permanent disability.

Not all heart attacks start with crushing chest pain or arm numbness. Some heart attacks come on slowly, causing only mild discomfort or no symptoms of chest discomfort at all. Some people may not even realize that they have had a heart attack.

As the symptoms of a heart attack vary from person to person, it is vital to learn as much information about them as possible.

People can start by asking their doctor about their heart health and how to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.