Myocardial infarction is one of the most serious, life-threatening medical conditions and occurs as a result of a sudden blockage of blood flow to the heart. This blockage leads to damage to heart tissue and directly affects its function. Myocardial infarction has become a major problem that requires awareness and special attention. In these lines, with Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, we learn about its causes, symptoms, prevention methods, as well as treatment to ensure a healthy heart and a better, healthier life. Please continue reading.
What is myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction is considered a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is interrupted. It leads to tissue damage. This blockage occurs as a result of the accumulation of fat and cholesterol in the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. When these fatty plaques accumulate, they narrow the arteries and thus reduce blood flow. In some cases, these plaques can burst and thus form a blood clot that completely blocks the artery. As a result, part of the heart muscle is deprived of the oxygen and nutrients it needs to survive.
What are the types of myocardial infarction?
Myocardial infarction is classified into a number of types based on the severity of blockage in the coronary arteries or the changes that appear on the electrocardiogram (ECG). These types come as follows:
STEMI segment elevation myocardial infarction
It occurs when there is a complete blockage in the coronary artery, and the electrocardiogram shows a noticeable elevation in the ST segment. This type is considered the most dangerous and requires immediate medical intervention to open the blocked artery.
Non-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
It occurs when a coronary artery is partially blocked. The ECG may not show ST-segment elevation, but it does show other changes. It is considered less serious than STEMI, but it still requires immediate treatment.
Myocardial infarction type II
This type occurs when there is an imbalance between the supply of oxygen to the heart muscle and its needs for it, for example in cases of severe anemia or severe low blood pressure.
Silent myocardial infarction
Some individuals suffer from heart attacks without noticeable symptoms, and this type is detected when performing an electrocardiogram or through various other tests.
Symptoms of myocardial infarction
Symptoms of myocardial infarction can vary from one individual to another, and some individuals may not experience any signs, which is known as a silent heart attack. The most common symptoms are as follows:
- Chest pain, a feeling of pressure, burning, or heaviness in the middle of the chest or on the left side of it. The pain may last for a few minutes or go away and return. The pain may spread to the arms, especially the left arm, or the shoulders, neck, jaw, or back.
- Shortness of breath with or without chest pain.
- Cold or profuse sweating.
- Nausea or desire to vomit.
- Extreme anxiety or fear of death.
There are a number of possible symptoms, such as heart palpitations, a feeling of extreme fatigue, and pain in the abdomen. Symptoms may differ between men and women, and symptoms may be less clear in diabetics and the elderly.
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Causes of myocardial infarction
Myocardial infarction occurs for several main reasons:
- Atherosclerosis, which is the most common cause, fatty plaques accumulate in the coronary arteries, narrowing them and thus reducing blood flow. These plaques can rupture, leading to the formation of a blood clot that completely blocks the arteries.
- A blood clot can form in the place of the accumulated plaque, thus completely blocking the arteries.
- In some rare cases, a spasm can occur in the coronary artery and thus stop blood flow to the heart muscle.
In rare cases, myocardial infarction may occur as a result of blockage of a coronary artery due to a blood clot that has moved from one place to another in the body, rupture of a coronary artery, coronary artery inflammation, and addiction to certain drugs such as cocaine. There are also a number of risk factors that increase the possibility of myocardial infarction, including high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, lack of exercise, family history of coronary heart disease, and age, as the risk increases with age.
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Methods of treating myocardial infarction
Treatment of myocardial infarction depends on the speed of medical intervention, and it mainly aims to restore blood flow to the heart muscle as quickly as possible to reduce the extent of damage. Treatment methods include the following:
- The use of medications, such as aspirin, which is given immediately to prevent the formation of more blood clots, nitroglycerin to expand blood vessels and relieve chest pain, pain relievers such as morphine, and clot-dissolving medications, which are given in certain cases to dissolve the blood clot blocking the coronary artery, in addition to other medications such as beta inhibitors and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, with the aim of reducing pressure on the heart and preventing complications.
- Coronary angioplasty, a simple procedure in which a thin catheter is inserted through an artery in the groin or wrist into the coronary arteries, a small balloon is inflated to dilate the blocked arteriole, and then a stent is placed to keep the artery open.
- Coronary artery bypass surgery is an open-heart surgery in which an artery or vein is taken from another part of the body and connected to the coronary artery to bypass the blocked part. This surgery is used in cases of multiple or complex blockages.
- Cardiac rehabilitation therapy includes medically supervised exercise, lifestyle changes, and psychological counseling to support recovery.
How to live with myocardial infarction
The idea of living with this health problem requires many lifestyle changes, along with the necessity of adhering to the specific treatment plan. There are some tips and guidelines that help to live better, and they are explained as follows:
- Regular medical follow-up, which includes visiting a doctor to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, adherence to taking medications, and performing periodic examinations such as electrocardiograms and blood tests according to the doctor’s directions.
- Change your lifestyle by following a healthy diet by eating foods rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, reducing your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium, and choosing healthy proteins such as chicken, fish, and legumes.
- Consult your doctor before starting any exercise program, start with light exercises and gradually increase their intensity, and practice aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling regularly.
- It is necessary to quit smoking, learn relaxation techniques, engage in activities, and get enough sleep.
- Maintaining a healthy weight, cardiac rehabilitation programs provide support and guidance to aid recovery.
Methods of preventing myocardial infarction
Prevention depends on reducing the various risk factors that increase the possibility of myocardial infarction, and the most important methods of prevention are explained as follows:
- Follow a healthy diet by eating foods rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, reducing the intake of saturated fats, trans fats, sodium and cholesterol, and eating foods that include healthy proteins such as legumes, fish or skinless chicken.
- Do aerobic exercises such as swimming, walking, and cycling for at least half an hour on most days of the week, with the need to consult a doctor before starting any exercise program.
- Quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and lose weight safely if obesity is present, by consulting your physician.
- Learn relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga, while getting enough sleep every day.
- Measure blood pressure regularly to control high blood pressure, which is one of the most important risk factors.
- Conduct cholesterol tests regularly, and keep blood sugar levels within the normal range.
- Visit your doctor regularly for cardiovascular examinations.
Medicines that treat myocardial infarction
A variety of medications are used to treat myocardial infarction. This aims to restore blood flow to the heart, reduce the risk of damage to the heart muscle, and prevent complications. The most prominent commonly used medications include:
- Anticoagulant medications, such as aspirin to prevent the formation of more blood clots, and clopidogrel, prasugrel, and ticagrelor, which work to prevent platelets from aggregating and forming clots, as well as heparin, which is given in certain cases to prevent the formation of clots.
- Clot-busting medications given to dissolve a blood clot blocking a coronary artery.
- Chest pain relief medications such as morphine and nitroglycerin.
- Medicines to reduce stress on the heart, such as beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
- Cholesterol-lowering medications, which are used to lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of infection أمراض القلب.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a heart attack and a myocardial infarction?
A heart attack is considered the main cause of myocardial infarction. A heart attack is the blockage of one of the coronary arteries that feeds the heart muscle, thus interrupting the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle, and thus the cells of this part die, which is known as a myocardial infarction, and here lies the difference. A heart attack leads to a myocardial infarction.
Can myocardial infarction be cured?
Myocardial infarction can be cured, but this depends on the speed of medical intervention and also depends on the extent of the damage to the heart. The sooner the flow of pain is restored, the less damage may be caused to the heart muscle, and the chances of recovery increase. Also, a myocardial infarction may leave a scar in the heart, which affects heart function in the future, but with appropriate treatment, cardiac rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes, patients can live well and return to normal life.
When is myocardial infarction dangerous?
The function of the heart muscle is measured by the percentage of blood that the left ventricle pumps with each beat, which is known as the ejection fraction. The normal percentage of the ejection fraction ranges between 50% and 70%, and when the ejection fraction decreases to less than 40%, it is a dangerous indicator, as it indicates weakness in the heart muscle and failure in its functions, and this leads to various symptoms such as fatigue, swelling of the legs, and shortness of breath, and it can be an indication of heart failure, and whenever
How do I know that the heart muscle is tired?
Signs of heart muscle fatigue can appear with many symptoms, including shortness of breath, especially when doing little or no effort while lying down, feeling extremely tired and exhausted even after rest, swelling of the legs, ankles and feet as a result of fluid retention, in addition to a noticeable increase in weight due to fluid accumulation, rapid or irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness or dizziness, and sometimes a chronic cough. When these symptoms appear, a doctor should be consulted immediately to conduct the necessary tests and evaluate the condition of the heart.
Myocardial infarction is a medical emergency that requires accurate diagnosis and immediate treatment to avoid serious complications. Therefore, attention must be paid to heart health and appropriate preventive steps must be taken. With Al Mousa Specialist Hospital, the latest medical technologies and the best specialized competencies are provided to ensure integrated heart care. Book your appointment today for examination and reassurance.
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