When blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), also known as a heart attack, damages or kills the heart muscle. In this blog post, you will learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute myocardial infarction.
Causes
An acute myocardial infarction occurs when a plaque ruptures in a coronary artery, resulting in the formation of a blood clot obstructing blood flow to the heart muscle.
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The most common cause of AMI is coronary artery disease (CAD), where plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) narrows the coronary arteries and reduces blood flow.
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Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and family history of heart disease increase the likelihood of developing AMI.
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Conditions such as unstable angina or coronary artery spasm can lead to acute coronary syndrome.
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AMI may also be caused by coronary artery dissection, coronary artery embolism, or vasculitis, which are less common causes.
Symptoms
Acute myocardial infarction may cause the following symptoms:
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AMI is characterized by persistent chest pain, pressure, tightness, or squeezing sensations, often described as "crushing" or "burning."
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There may also be discomfort or pain in the arms (especially the left arm), back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
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Having trouble breathing or feeling short of breath, especially when exerting yourself.
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There may be nausea, vomiting, indigestion, or abdominal discomfort in some individuals.
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A cold sweat is characterized by profuse sweating, clammy skin, and a feeling of lightheadedness.
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An onset of fatigue, weakness, or feeling of impending doom.
Diagnosis
Acute myocardial infarction is diagnosed based on a medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Diagnostic assessments may include:
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An electrocardiogram (ECG) can detect changes indicative of myocardial ischemia or injury, which is the primary tool for diagnosing AMI.
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Tests to measure cardiac biomarkers such as troponin and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels to confirm myocardial damage.
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Heart function and coronary artery blockage may be evaluated with an echocardiogram, coronary angiography, or cardiac CT scan.
Treatment
Acute myocardial infarction is treated by restoring blood flow to affected parts of the heart and preventing further damage. Treatment options include:
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Treatment with medications such as aspirin, nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, antiplatelet agents, and anticoagulants to reduce chest pain, prevent blood clots, and improve heart function.
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The blocked coronary artery may be reopened by reperfusion therapy, such as thrombolytic therapy or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
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To improve oxygenation of the blood and relieve symptoms, supplemental oxygen may be administered.
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After recovering from AMI, lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing weight, and reducing stress are essential to preventing further cardiac events.
Prevention
Acute myocardial infarction can be prevented by:
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A healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
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Managing risk factors, such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity, through medication and lifestyle changes.
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The monitoring of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other cardiovascular risk factors, as well as routine medical examinations, can help detect and manage potential heart problems early.
