Myocardial infarction

Is the rapid development of myocardial necrosis caused by a critical imbalance between oxygen supply and demand of the myocardium.


Gross necrosis of the myocardium as a result of interruption of the blood supply to the area; it is almost always caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, upon which coronary thrombosis is usually superimposed.


The damaging or death of an area of the heart muscle, resulting from a reduction of blood supply to the area, also called a “heart attack’’.


An area of dead heart muscle caused by an impairment of the blood supply, usually due to blockage of a coronary artery.


The death of part of the heart muscle after coronary thrombosis.


Heart attack. Occurs when one or more of the coronary vessels is occluded and heart muscle fails to receive sufficient oxygen and dies. The term infarction refers to the fact that the depolarization of the muscle just prior to contraction (a part of the pumping action of the heart) cannot spread across this dead part of the muscle. The presence of this infarction can be detected by an electrocardiograph, which documents the depolarization and repolarization of the heart muscle.


Heart attack; death of an area of heart muscle due to interruption of its blood supply through occlusion of the coronary arteries usually by an acute thrombus. This completely occludes the arterial lumen which was previously narrowed by atherosclerosis. Typical symptoms include crushing, viselike pain in the chest that may radiate to the arm, especially the left arm, neck, or jaw region; shortness of breath; faintness; anxiety; and an ashen or sweaty appearance. Irregularities of heart rhythm, demonstrable on an electrocardiogram, may be present. The blood pressure may be high or low. Treatment involves oxygen, treatment of pain, and close monitoring to guard against complications such as arrhythmias, heart failure, and cardiac arrest. Prognosis depends on the extent of heart damage, but most patients are able to return to normal life with modifications in their diet, stress levels, and sometimes activity. Sometimes called coronary.


Necrosis of a portion of cardiac muscle caused by partial or complete occlusion of one or more coronary arteries; also known as heart attack.


A potentially fatal condition in which a part of the heart muscle dies due to an interruption of its essential blood supply.


A constituent of blood normally present in a tiny amount, elevations may indicate damage of the heart muscle after a heart attack (MI) or skeletal muscles following an injury.


Death of a segment of heart muscle, which follows interruption of its blood supply. Myocardial infarction is usually confined to the left ventricle. The patient experiences a ‘heart attack: sudden severe chest pain, which may spread to the arms and throat. The main danger is that of ventricular fibrillation, which accounts for most of the fatalities. Other arrhythmias are also frequent; ectopic beats in the ventricle are especially important as they predispose to ventricular fibrillation. Other complications include heart failure, rupture of the heart, phlebothrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pericarditis, shock, mitral incompetence, and perforation of the septum between the ventricles.


The loss of living heart muscle as a result of coronary artery occlusion. MI or its related syndromes (acute coronary syndrome or unstable angina) usually occurs when an atheromatous plaque in a coronary artery ruptures, and the resulting clot obstructs the injured blood vessel. Perfusion of the muscular tissue that lies downstream from the blocked artery is lost. If blood flow is not restored within a few hours, the heart muscle dies.


Also known as a heart attack; when the heart has insufficient blood supply usually due to occlusion of a coronary artery, which results in cardiac tissue death.


Death of an area of the heart muscle from the cessation of blood flow to the area due to arterial blockage.


Medically referred to as a myocardial infarction, a heart attack occurs when there is a significant reduction or complete blockage of the heart’s blood supply, leading to insufficient oxygen reaching the heart muscle, ultimately resulting in its damage or death.


The abrupt demise of a section of the heart muscle is caused by a hindrance in the blood flow to that specific region of the heart. This condition is commonly referred to as a heart attack. Myocardial infarction stands as the prevailing reason for mortality in the United Kingdom.


The typical factor behind this occurrence is the atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries. In this state, fatty deposits called plaques accumulate on the walls of the arteries. Subsequently, a clot might develop atop a plaque, obstructing an artery.


Men possess a higher likelihood of experiencing a heart attack compared to women, and individuals who smoke face a greater risk in contrast to non-smokers. Additional risk elements encompass advancing age, an unhealthy dietary pattern, obesity, as well as conditions like hypertension (elevated blood pressure) and diabetes mellitus.


A rapid and intense sensation of pressure initiates at the chest’s center, possibly radiating towards the arms or even reaching up to the jaw. Additionally, there might be feelings of breathlessness, restlessness, damp skin, and the possibility of experiencing nausea and/or vomiting. In certain instances, the initial sign manifests as a sudden collapse and a loss of consciousness. A subset of individuals might encounter only mild indications or none whatsoever; this variation of a heart attack is termed a silent myocardial infarction.


The harm to the heart tissue can result in immediate heart failure, leading to a decrease in pumping effectiveness, or it may trigger arrhythmias characterized by an irregular heartbeat. Among these, ventricular fibrillation stands out as the most perilous form of arrhythmia. This condition obstructs efficient heart pumping and, if not addressed promptly, leads to fatality within a matter of minutes.


The diagnosis is established by considering the patient’s medical background along with an electrocardiogram (ECG). Additionally, examinations are conducted to assess the quantities of specific enzymes and a protein known as troponin in the bloodstream. These substances are discharged into the blood due to heart muscle damage.


Experiencing a myocardial infarction requires immediate medical attention. If an individual suspects a heart attack, they should chew an aspirin tablet to aid in dissolving the clot within the artery. Subsequently, they should be transported to the hospital as swiftly as feasible.


At the outset, oxygen and diamorphine are administered to alleviate the pain, and intravenous thrombolytic medications might be provided to dissolve the blood clot, unless there exists a concern that these drugs could lead to excessive bleeding.


Subsequently, individuals are kept under observation in an intensive care or coronary care unit. This vigilance allows for the prompt identification and management of potential complications like heart failure, arrhythmias, or heart valve rupture. In cases where thrombolytic medications have not succeeded in reinstating proper blood flow within the affected artery, surgical intervention might be taken into consideration.


Upon discharge from the hospital, patients might receive recommendations to incorporate aspirin, beta-blocker medications for heart muscle protection, and statin drugs to reduce blood cholesterol levels. ACE inhibitors could also be prescribed to address heart failure or diminished left ventricle function. Furthermore, individuals will participate in a rehabilitation program aimed at aiding their reintegration into regular activities and enhancing their understanding of risk factors.


 


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