Myocardial Infarction (MI)
Causes
Atherosclerosis: Buildup of plaque (fat, cholesterol, and other substances) in coronary arteries, leading to blockages.
Coronary artery spasm: Temporary tightening of a coronary artery, restricting blood flow.
Blood clot: Often forms at the site of a ruptured plaque, fully blocking an artery.
Other rare causes: Coronary artery dissection or embolism.
Symptoms
Chest Pain or Discomfort: Often described as pressure, tightness, or heaviness, lasting more than a few minutes.
Radiating Pain: May spread to the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back.
Shortness of Breath: Often occurs alongside chest discomfort.
Other Signs
-Nausea or vomiting
-Cold sweats
-Lightheadedness or dizziness
-Fatigue (especially in women)
Risk Factors
Modifiable
Smoking
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Non-Modifiable
Age (higher risk in men over 45 and women over 55)
Family history of heart disease
Gender (men have a higher risk, though women often experience worse outcomes)
Diagnosis
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Identifies abnormal heart rhythms or patterns of ischemia.
Blood Tests: Elevated cardiac biomarkers (e.g., troponins) confirm heart muscle damage.
Imaging
Coronary angiography
Echocardiogram
Treatment
Immediate:
Aspirin, nitroglycerin, oxygen therapy, morphine
Reperfusion
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
Thrombolysis
Medications
Beta-blockers
ACE inhibitors
Statins
Antiplatelets (e.g., clopidogrel)
Complications
Arrhythmias
Heart failure
Cardiogenic shock
Pericarditis
Sudden cardiac arrest
Prevention
Healthy diet (low-fat, low-sodium)
Regular exercise
Smoking cessation
Subtopic
Blood pressure and cholesterol management
Stress reduction