Myocardial Infarction

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

Blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue damage due to lack of oxygen.
Often caused by a blood clot.

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Chest pain or discomfort - squeezing, heaviness, may raider to arms, neck, jaw

Shortness of breath
Sweating
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
Weakness
Heart palpitations

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

One of the leading causes of death world wide
Men - higher risk
Women after menopause

Question 4

Age

Answer 4

45 in men
55 women

Question 5

Risk/ causes

Answer 5

Smoking,
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Poor diet

Stress
Family history of CV disease

Question 6

Presentation

Answer 6

Sudden chest pain or pressure
Radiating pain - shoulder, arm, neck , jaw

Women - shortness of breath, fatigue, indigestion and nausea

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

A&E
Could induce heart failure
Early treatment reduces mortality
Meds - Anti platelets agents (Aspirin), Anticoagulants (Heparin)