About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Etiology of Myocardial Infarction
Introduction
Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle. This leads to ischemia (lack of oxygen) and damage to the heart tissue. The causes of MI can be broadly categorized into several key factors.
Major Causes of Myocardial Infarction
1. Atherosclerosis (Most Common Cause)
- Description: The buildup of fatty plaques in the coronary arteries, leading to their narrowing and eventual blockage.
- Risk Factors: High cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle.
- Mechanism: Plaque rupture can trigger a clot formation (thrombosis) that blocks blood flow.
2. Coronary Artery Thrombosis (Blood Clots)
- Formation: A clot forms over a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque, causing complete or partial artery occlusion.
- Consequence: Leads to ischemia, damaging the heart muscle.
3. Coronary Artery Spasm
- Description: Temporary and sudden narrowing of the coronary artery, reducing blood flow.
- Causes: Smoking, drug use (e.g., cocaine), stress, or unknown reasons.
- Differentiation: Unlike atherosclerosis, it may not involve blockages.
4. Embolism (Blockage from Another Source)
- Sources: Blood clots from another part of the body (e.g., atrial fibrillation), fat emboli, or air emboli.
- Effects: Blocks small coronary arteries, causing ischemia.
5. Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD)
- Description: A tear in the coronary artery wall, leading to blood leakage and blockage.
- Risk Groups: Young women, pregnancy, and connective tissue disorders.
6. Other Causes
- Anemia and Hypoxia: Low oxygen levels in the blood reduce oxygen availability to the heart.
- Trauma or Surgery: Direct injury to the coronary arteries.
- Inflammatory Diseases (Vasculitis): Autoimmune conditions can lead to arterial inflammation.
Conclusion
Understanding the causes of myocardial infarction is crucial for early prevention and treatment. Lifestyle changes, medications, and medical interventions can significantly reduce the risk. If you experience symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or discomfort spreading to the arms, immediate medical attention is essential.
Recommendations
If you'd like to read more, the following clinical guidelines provide in-depth details:
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guidelines for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0b013e3182742cf6
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15289388/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2021-acc-aha-scai-guideline-for-coronary-artery-revascularization
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23256914/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S073510972106157X
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients Presenting with ST-Segment Elevation
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28886621/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/2/119/4095042
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22922416/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/14/1289/5898842
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
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We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.