Heart Strokes Guide: Symptoms, Treatment, and Insurance Coverage

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a medical emergency where blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is severely blocked or reduced. This lack of oxygenated blood damages or destroys heart tissue, resulting in an attack. 

Data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) shows a 12.5% rise in heart attack deaths in India in 2022. Alarmingly, 25% of these attacks happen in those below 40, according to the Indian Heart Association. This trend is attributed to unhealthy lifestyles, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a lack of physical activity, and a poor diet.

Types of Heart Attacks

The three types of heart attacks are:

• ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)

It is the most common yet severe heart stroke, which happens due to a complete blockage in major coronary arteries. 

• Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI)

This kind of attack results from reduced blood flow and some damage due to partial blockage.

• Unstable angina

Symptoms are those of an attack, but tests don’t show heart damage. Since the blood flow is severely restricted, there is a high risk of an attack.

Heart Attacks Symptoms

Heart attacks can strike suddenly. But often there are warning signs, such as chest pain that won’t ease with rest. The signs depend on the severity and which side of the heart is affected. This worsens as the heart weakens. 

The common symptoms are:

• Chest pain or discomfort in the upper body that includes pain in the arms, back, shoulders, neck, jaw, or teeth
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea or indigestion
• Extreme fatigue
• Cold sweat
• Lightheadedness or dizziness

Women may experience some additional atypical symptoms, such as:

• Pain between the shoulder blades
• Unexplained anxiety or fatigue
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Pain in the back or neck

Why Heart Strokes Happen

The main reason for most heart attacks is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD develops when the built-in fatty deposits (plaques) inside the arteries narrow the blood flow passage. These plaques rupture, forming a clot that completely blocks the artery. This triggers an attack.

How to Prevent Heart Stroke

While some risk factors, like family history, are out of your control. However, you can take the following steps to reduce the risk and severity of a heart attack:

• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Manage diabetes, high cholesterol, or blood pressure regularly.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Practice breathing exercises to manage stress.

Heart Attack Treatment

Heart attacks require immediate medical attention. The sooner you receive treatment, the faster blood flow can be restored. Treatment options may include:

• Medications to dissolve blood clots, prevent further clotting, and reduce chest pain
• Angioplasty involves inserting a thin tube with a balloon into the blocked artery to open it, followed by placing a stent to keep it open
• Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) involves grafting a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body to bypass the blocked artery

Health Insurance for Heart Attack

Surgeries for heart attack treatments can cost between ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹ 3.6 lakhs. On top of that, hospitalisation, medication, and rehabilitation expenses can drain your savings. A health insurance policy can cover these costs. 

However, if you already have a heart condition or have suffered an attack in the past, regular health insurance might introduce a waiting period. You can consider riders or add-ons for heart disease to shorten the waiting period. You can also consider specific policies, like cardiac care or critical illness. Read the fine print to know if your policy excludes some causes or treatments for heart stroke.

A good health insurance plan for heart attack patients covers:

• In-patient hospitalisation for treatment
• Cardiac surgeries like bypass surgery or angioplasty
• Cardiac stents and medications
• Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses
• Ambulance services (depending on the plan)

To access the best possible treatment in emergencies, consider a plan with a wide network of hospitals known for their cardiac care. The provider should have a high claim settlement ratio. 

Health insurance for heart stroke can be a valuable tool for those at higher risk. Consider it if you have:

• A sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of heart disease
• Pre-existing diseases of high blood pressure, cholesterol, or diabetes

Key Takeaways

Heart attacks could strike anyone, anytime. Recognising the warning signs and knowing how to prevent them can minimise heart damage and improve survival rates. Moreover, health insurance for heart strokes ensures financial preparedness during emergencies. Understand the coverage, limitations, and features to protect you and your family from the burden of heart disease. Additionally, you can also consider platforms like PhonePe for a seamless and hassle-free insurance purchase experience.