Myocardial Infraction Flashcards
Myocardial infraction
Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, leading to damage or death of the heart tissue due to a lack of oxygen. This blockage typically results from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, which causes a blood clot to form in a coronary artery.
Types
Types of Myocardial Infarction:
- ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): A severe form of heart attack where there is a significant blockage in a coronary artery, leading to a large area of damage to the heart muscle. It is characterized by elevated ST segments on an electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI): A less severe form, where the blockage is not complete, and the heart muscle damage is less extensive. It shows changes on the ECG but without ST elevation.
Types
Types of Myocardial Infarction:
- ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI): A severe form of heart attack where there is a significant blockage in a coronary artery, leading to a large area of damage to the heart muscle. It is characterized by elevated ST segments on an electrocardiogram (ECG).
- Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI): A less severe form, where the blockage is not complete, and the heart muscle damage is less extensive. It shows changes on the ECG but without ST elevation.
Symptoms
Symptoms:
Chest pain or discomfort, often described as a pressure or tightness in the chest.
Pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
Shortness of breath.
Nausea or vomiting.
Sweating (diaphoresis).
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Fatigue or feeling unusually tired.
Risk factors
Risk Factors:
Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries).
Hypertension (high blood pressure).
Diabetes.
Smoking.
High cholesterol.
Obesity.
Family history of heart disease.
Sedentary lifestyle.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Diagonosis
Diagnosis:
ECG (Electrocardiogram): Shows characteristic changes, such as ST elevation or depression.
Cardiac Biomarkers: Blood tests for markers like troponin and CK-MB, which rise when the heart muscle is damaged.
Coronary Angiography: An imaging test used to visualize the coronary arteries and identify the location of blockages.
Treatment
Treatment:
- Immediate Management:
Aspirin: To prevent further clotting.
Nitroglycerin: To relieve chest pain and reduce heart workload.
Oxygen therapy: If oxygen levels are low.
Anticoagulants: To prevent further clot formation.
Pain relief: Morphine or other analgesics.
- Reperfusion Therapy:
Thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs): If STEMI is diagnosed early and the patient cannot undergo angioplasty.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI): A procedure where a catheter is used to open the blocked artery and insert a stent.
- Long-term Management:
Medications: Antiplatelets (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, and others to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and prevent further events.
Lifestyle changes: Dietary modifications, regular exercise, weight management, smoking cessation, and stress reduction.
Complications
Complications:
Arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), especially after a STEMI.
Heart failure: Reduced ability of the heart to pump blood effectively.
Cardiogenic shock: Severe reduction in blood flow leading to organ failure.
Death: Can occur if the heart is significantly damaged and cannot maintain circulation.
Prevention
Prevention:
Healthy lifestyle: Proper diet (low in saturated fats, high in fiber), regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking.
Managing risk factors: Regular monitoring and control of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Medications: Statins, blood pressure medications, and antiplatelet drugs for those at high risk.
Early intervention and proper management can improve outcomes significantly, and many patients with myocardial infarction can recover fully with appropriate treatment.
