Myocardial Infarction: Causes, risk factors, symptoms …

The heart is the most vital organ of the body that pumps blood to every other organ. Any aberration in the normal functioning of the heart can lead to serious pathological conditions which might permanently impact the functioning of other organs. At present, heart attack or myocardial infarction has become a critical global health issue. Heart diseases are affecting not only the elderly people but also young adults and small children.

Records documented by European Society of Cardiology show that almost 26 million people all over the world have experienced heart failure at least once. 17-45% of these patients die of heart failure within 1 year of diagnosis. Global awareness programs are being organized to address the impending issues pertaining to myocardial infarction which has become one of the primary factors of mortality worldwide.

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the condition in which insufficient blood flows to the heart (or a part of the heart) and causes damage to the cardiac muscles.

It is characterized by chest pain and discomfort and may lead to an acute shortness of breath. It arises from multiple environmental, genetic and dietary factors. About 30% people have atypical symptoms. Nearly 5% of the people above 75 years old have a myocardial infarction, with very less or no symptoms at all.

A heart attack is precipitated by a wide range of physical, mental, environmental and dietary factors. The most important ones are listed below-

A heart attack is the most unpredictable pathological condition and is one of the leading emergency situations at present. Hence it is mandatory to have a proper knowledge of the following symptoms to facilitate timely hospitalization of the patient-

Based on the pathology, myocardial infarction is of two types-

Transmural MI: The patients usually have atherosclerosis that involves a major coronary artery. These types of infarctions are felt through the entire thickness of the heart muscles. They generally result from a complete lack of blood supply in a particular area. It has the following subtypes-

Subendocardial MI: It involves a small portion of the subendocardial wall of the left ventricle, ventricular septum or papillary muscles. The subendocardial area is more susceptible to ischemia.Another classification of myocardial infarction, as detailed in the 2007 consensus document is given below-

The best diagnostic tests for myocardial infarction are as follows-

Heart conditions such as myocardial infarction require immediate medical supervision; hence it is always treated as an emergency case. In order to facilitate proper blood flow in the heart, a minor procedure called angioplasty may be performed. In some cases, CABG or Coronary Artery Bypass Graft may be done to make the blood flow along an alternate path, so that it doesnt encounter the clotted arteries/veins. There are many medications such as aspirin, which is a blood thinner that is used to remove clots from the blood. Similarly, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors might be prescribed to lower the blood pressure and decrease cardiac stress.

Cardiac issues can be largely prevented by bringing positive changes to lifestyle, especially diet. A diet rich in whole grains, antioxidants, and essential nutrients can keep your heart healthy. Harmful items such as refined sugar, packaged goods with high trans-fat, cholesterol etc should be rarely consumed. By including physical fitness and lowering stress, one can prevent life-threatening events such as myocardial infarction.

References

Read the original here:

Myocardial Infarction: Causes, risk factors, symptoms ...