Myocardial infarction definition (MI): This is commonly known as a heart attack and occurs when blood vessels that supply blood to the heart are blocked, causing some cells to die. A common cause of this condition is blockage of a coronary artery due to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a condition in which fatty material (plaque) collects along the walls of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis can lead to myocardial infarction in the following ways:
* Build up of plaque can block a coronary artery restricting oxygen-containing blood from flowing through the blockage.
* The plaque itself can develop cracks or tear causing blood platelets to stick to it forming a blood clot (thrombus). This clot can then block the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart.
Blockage of an artery results in ischemia (restricted blood supply). Ischemia and lack of oxygen, if left untreated, can cause death (infarction) of heart muscle tissue (myocardium). Risk factors associated with a heart attack include age, sex, family history, high blood pressure, diabetes, poor diet (containing too much fat), unhealthy cholesterol levels, smoking and chronic kidney disease.
The main symptom of a heart attack is sudden chest pains (usually felt in the left arm or left side of the neck). Other symptoms include shortness of breath, anxiety, nausea, dizziness, palpitations, sweating and fainting. Some people may not suffer any symptom. A heart attack is a medical emergency and anyone suffering from it should seek immediate medical attention as part of acute myocardial infarction management.
Patients potentially suffering from a heart attack may need to go through some exams and tests. Your doctor may perform a physical exam using a stethoscope to check for abnormal sounds. Tests may include coronary angiography, CT scan, echocardiography, electrocardiogram (ECG), MRI and nuclear ventriculography. Blood tests may include Troponin I and troponin T, CPK and CPK-MB and Serum myoglobin.
If you suffer from irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias), immediate treatment may include medication such as aspirin or electrical cardioverson/defibrillation. You may also be given oxygen even if your blood oxygen levels are normal. Medication and fluids may be administered through an intravenous line. A tube may also be inserted into your bladder to determine more symptoms. Additional myocardial infarction treatment includes:
* Angioplasty and stent placement – Angioplasty, also known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a therapeutic procedure used for opening arteries for some types of heart attacks. A coronary artery stent is a small tube that opens up inside a coronary artery (placed after angioplasty) and is used to prevent artery from closing up again.
* Thrombolytic Therapy (Clot-Busting Drugs) – This involves the use of drugs to break up the clot. Blood thinners may later be given by month to prevent clot formation later on.
Certain medications for treatment of this condition include Nitroglycerin, antiplatelet medicines, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and lipid lowering medications. You should also take steps to prevent a heart attack. This includes keeping your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol under control. Lifestyle changes should include a well-balanced diet and regular excercise. Familiarity of myocardial infarction definition and associated risk factors can help you avoid this condition.