Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Introduction

Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, is a life-threatening condition caused by a lack of blood supply to the heart muscle. This usually results from a blockage in the coronary arteries due to a blood clot or severe narrowing caused by atherosclerosis.

Causes and Risk Factors

The main cause of MI is coronary artery disease (CAD). The risk factors include: - High blood pressure (hypertension) - High cholesterol levels - Smoking - Diabetes - Obesity and lack of physical activity - Excessive alcohol consumption - Stress - Genetics (family history of cardiovascular disease)

Symptoms

Common symptoms of a heart attack include: - Chest pain (pressure, tightness, or burning sensation) - Shortness of breath - Nausea or vomiting - Pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back - Sweating and dizziness

Note: Women, elderly individuals, or people with diabetes may have atypical symptoms such as fatigue, indigestion, or mild discomfort instead of severe chest pain.

Diagnosis

To diagnose myocardial infarction, doctors use: - Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Detects abnormal electrical activity in the heart - Blood tests (Troponin levels) – Measures heart muscle damage - Coronary angiography – Identifies blockages in the coronary arteries

Treatment

The goal of MI treatment is to restore blood flow to the heart as quickly as possible. This includes: - Medications: - Aspirin to thin the blood - Thrombolytics (clot-busting drugs) - Beta-blockers to reduce heart workload - Statins to lower cholesterol - ACE inhibitors for heart protection - Interventional Procedures: - Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): Also known as angioplasty, involves placing a stent to open up blocked arteries - Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG): If multiple arteries are blocked, surgery may be necessary

Prevention

To reduce the risk of MI, follow these lifestyle changes: - Maintain a healthy diet (low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables) - Engage in regular physical activity - Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes - Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption - Reduce stress and ensure adequate sleep

Conclusion

A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking prompt treatment significantly improves survival rates. Prevention through a healthy lifestyle is the key to reducing the risk of myocardial infarction.

Source recommendations

1. 2023 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines on the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001309
2. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
3. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001168
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36503287/
5. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-statements

2. 2023 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-Coronary-Syndromes-ACS-Guidelines
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622654/
3. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/38/3720/7243210
4. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2023/08/29/14/01/2023-esc-guidelines-acs-esc-2023
5. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/13/1145/7611911