⭐️ Myocardial Infarction

Question 1

What is it?

Answer 1

Irreversible myocardial tissue death due to prolonged ischemia from coronary artery occlusion.

(A heart attack caused by blocked blood flow to the heart muscle)

Question 2

Clinical features

Answer 2

Chest pain: Severe, crushing, radiating to left arm/jaw
Diaphoresis: Excessive sweating
Dyspnea: Shortness of breath
Nausea & vomiting
Palpitations
Sense of impending doom
Silent MI: More common in diabetics & elderly (presents with fatigue, syncope, or confusion)

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Leading cause of death worldwide
Higher incidence in men than premenopausal women
Mortality reduced with early intervention (PCI, thrombolysis)

Question 4

Age Groups Affected

Answer 4

Most common in > 45 years
Women typically present 10 years later than men
Rare in young adults unless major risk factors present

Question 5

Risk Factors

Answer 5

Modifiable:
• Smoking 🚬
• Hypertension 💉
• Hyperlipidemia 🍔
• Diabetes mellitus 🍬
• Obesity ⚖️
• Sedentary lifestyle 🛋️
• Stress 😟
• Excessive alcohol 🍷

Non-Modifiable:

Age ⏳
Male gender 🚹
Family history 👨‍👩‍👦
Ethnicity (higher in South Asians & African Americans)

Question 6

Clinical Presentation

Answer 6

Chest pain: Heavy, squeezing, or pressure-like, may spread to arm, neck, jaw, or back.
Shortness of breath: Especially with mild activity or at rest.
Sweating: Cold, clammy skin.
Nausea/Vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: May feel faint or weak.
Fatigue: Unusual tiredness, especially in women.
Atypical Symptoms: Some (especially elderly or diabetics) may have no chest pain, just fatigue, nausea, or breathlessness.

Woman -
Chest discomfort - feels like pressure, tightness or burning
Unusual fatigue - extreme tiredness for days or weeks
Back pain
Cold sweats

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

Depends on: Size of the heart attack, how quickly treatment is given, and overall heart health.

Short-term: Risk of complications like heart failure, arrhythmias, or another heart attack.

Long-term: With proper treatment (medications, lifestyle changes, possibly surgery), many people live for years.

Worse if: Severe damage, late treatment, or ongoing risk factors (e.g., smoking, high blood pressure).

Better if: Early treatment, good medical care, and healthy lifestyle changes