Key Features

100 Questions and Answers About Heart Attack and Related Cardiac Problems
Edward K. Chung, MD

  ▪ The question and answer format mimics an actual physician consultation.

Table of Contents

Part 1.The Basics
Questions 1–15 describe the heart’s anatomy and functions along with a description of a heart attack in questions such as:
  ▪ What is the structure of a normal heart?
  ▪ What are the normal heart functions?
  ▪ What is angina pectoris or angina?
  ▪ What is a heart attack?

Part 2. Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
Questions 16–52 discuss personal factors that can increase your risk of heart attack, along with the symptoms that accompany a heart attack and the tests used to diagnose one, including:
  ▪ Why is high blood pressure the major coronary risk factor?
  ▪ What is cholesterol? What is “bad” (LDL) versus “good” (HDL) cholesterol?
  ▪ How is diabetes harmful?
  ▪ What diseases or disorders may mimic a heart attack?
  ▪ What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

Part 3. Problems After a Heart Attack
Questions 53–67 describe health problems related to a heart attack and how they can be managed, including:
  ▪ What are cardiac arrhythmias, and how should they be handled?
  ▪ What is heart failure?
  ▪ What is a heart block?
  ▪ What is cardiac arrest?

Part 4.Treating a Heart Attack
Questions 68–89 discuss long-term treatments to address heart conditions that a heart attack survivor may suffer, such as:
  ▪ What medications are commonly used for heart attack victims?
  ▪ What is thrombolytic therapy, and who needs it?
  ▪ What is coronary angioplasty, and who needs it?
  ▪ What is a coronary stent, and who needs it?
  ▪ What is coronary artery bypass graft, and who needs it?
  ▪ What are artificial pacemakers and electrical shock treatment, and who needs them?

Part 5: Living After a Heart Attack
Questions 90–99 describe lifestyle changes and techniques that can improve a heart attack survivor’s length and quality of life, including:
  ▪ What is cardiopulmonary resuscitation and who needs it?
  ▪ How much will my attitude contribute to my recovery?
  ▪ Do I face lifelong medications and check-ups after recovering from a heart attack?
  ▪ How do I prevent another heart attack?

Appendix
Question 100 is a list of web sites, organizations, and publications to help heart attack survivors and their families find additional resources on general and specific topics related to heart attacks and related cardiac problems.