Myocardial

Myocardial Infarction
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Synonyms	Heart attack, Acute myocardial infarction (AMI)
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, feeling faint
Complications	Heart failure, irregular heartbeat, cardiac arrest
Onset
Duration
Types	ST segment elevation MI (STEMI), non-ST segment elevation MI (NSTEMI)
Causes	Blockage of a coronary artery due to atherosclerosis, blood clots
Risks	Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity
Diagnosis	Electrocardiogram, blood tests (troponin), coronary angiography
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	Healthy diet, regular exercise, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight
Treatment	Aspirin, nitroglycerin, angioplasty, coronary artery bypass surgery
Medication	Aspirin, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins
Prognosis	Variable
Frequency
Deaths

Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to a part of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort which may travel into the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw. Often it is in the center or left side of the chest and lasts for more than a few minutes. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, nausea, feeling faint, a cold sweat, or feeling tired.

Causes

The primary cause of a myocardial infarction is the blockage of a coronary artery as a result of atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits build up on the inner walls of the arteries. This can lead to the formation of a blood clot, which can completely obstruct the artery, preventing oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for myocardial infarction include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, poor diet, lack of regular exercise, and excessive alcohol consumption. These factors can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and increase the risk of a heart attack.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of myocardial infarction is primarily based on symptoms, electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, and blood tests for cardiac biomarkers like troponin. An ECG can show changes in the heart's electrical activity, indicating areas of the heart that are not receiving adequate blood flow. Elevated levels of troponin, a protein released when heart muscle is damaged, are also indicative of a heart attack.

Treatment

Immediate treatment for a myocardial infarction includes the administration of aspirin, nitroglycerin, and oxygen therapy. Long-term treatments may involve angioplasty, where a balloon is used to open blocked arteries, or coronary artery bypass surgery, which creates a new path for blood to flow to the heart. Medications such as beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, and statins are commonly prescribed to help manage heart function and prevent further attacks.

Prevention

Preventive measures for myocardial infarction involve lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding tobacco smoke, and managing stress. Regular health screenings to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and diabetes management can also help reduce the risk.

See also

• Cardiovascular disease
• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure