What is myocardial infarction?
Myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart attack, is one of the main causes of death in industrialised countries. There are 100,000 cases of heart attack in France every year. A heart attack occurs when one or more coronary arteries become blocked, preventing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle. This can cause cardiac arrhythmia that can lead to sudden death. The heart is a vital organ: if you suspect a heart attack, immediately call the emergency services – SAMU (15) in France or 112 in Europe.
When should I see a doctor in case of myocardial infarction?
In case of chest pain, call 15 (emergency services).
Signs of a heart attack include a persistent squeezing pain in the chest (a vice-like sensation) that can spread to the left arm and the jaw. Typically, this pain is triggered by physical activity and normally disappears when you stop, which should be a warning sign.
Symptoms most often occur when you are exposed to untreated risk factors such as smoking, age, a sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol, stress, being overweight, high blood pressure or thoracic irradiation (radiotherapy).
Prinzmetal’s angina, on the other hand, occurs at rest (often at night) and is characterised by sudden chest pain due to epicardial coronary artery spasm.
The use of cocaine, like other coronary vasoconstrictors, exposes the patient to acute myocardial infarction.
Malaise, nausea, dizziness, loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest may also occur!
How is myocardial infarction treated?
Two treatments are used in the case of a heart attack: angioplasty and thrombolysis. Both aim to restore blood flow in the blocked coronary artery (or arteries) as quickly as possible.
Coronary angioplasty involves introducing an inflatable balloon into the blocked artery to restore blood flow to the heart. A stent (a short wire mesh tube) is then inserted to prevent the artery from becoming blocked again. This is the preferred technique since it allows the surgeon to simultaneously visualise and treat the lesion(s).
If angioplasty cannot be used, the heart surgeon will perform a coronary bypass (or several). Here, blood in the obstructed coronary artery is diverted by “switching off” the affected area.
Thrombolysis is also possible. This procedure entails directly injecting a drug into a vein to dissolve the blood clot that is causing the blockage in the coronary artery.
Treatment with anti-platelet agents combined with a statin can also be used to reduce the risk of recurrence of the infarction.
Who should I consult in the event of a heart attack?
If you think you are having a heart attack, call the emergency services immediately (15 or 112). The infarction will be treated by a doctor specialising in interventional cardiology using angioplasty or thrombolysis, depending on how close the nearest angioplasty centre is.
How can a heart attack be prevented?
ELSAN can organise a health assessment, a control of the risk factors that contribute to the risk of a heart attack and a follow-up of the control measures.
Talk to your doctor: ELSAN offers several health check-up solutions adapted to your situation.
Preparing for your hospital stay with ELSAN in France
How can I make an appointment ?
FAQ
How can I obtain a visa?
To obtain your visa for France, you will need to apply to the French Embassy in your country of residence. Once you have paid the care cost estimate provided by the ELSAN International Patients Department, you will be sent a letter of invitation and a certificate of payment signed by the hospital where your procedure will take place. These documents should be attached to your visa application.
What about follow-up treatment?
Depending on your personal situation, your medical team may recommend a rehabilitation hospital stay. This will be discussed with you.
How long before I can fly?
Your doctor will make specific recommendations. We suggest that you ask them to issue a Fit to Fly certificate, as depending on your medical situation, it may be necessary to respect a certain time limit in the interest of your health.
Will I be reimbursed?
For patients not covered by French health insurance, we provide an estimate of the cost of treatment. You should submit this estimate, along with your treatment plan, to your insurer to obtain their prior agreement, in accordance with your insurance policy.
In some cases insurers will pay directly (avoiding any advance payments by the policyholder) or reimburse the policyholder on proof of payment (paid invoice). This will depend on your insurance policy.