Myocardial infarction (Heart Attack) – Health Facts

A myocardial infarction or MI occurs when the blood supply to some part of the heart muscle is abruptly stopped. MIs are caused by a number of factors. In most cases a thrombus associated with plaque rupture occludes arteries, also less frequently embolization of arteries leads to MI or coronary spasm in the absence of plaque in arteries.[1]

The assessment of a heart attack is commonly based on a person's history and on a physical exam. Since there are many causes of chest pain the first task of a naturopathic doctor or any other primary care physician is to rule out life threatening conditions.[2]

In order to stimulate the innate ability of the body to heal the causes of disease must be identified and addressed. With Myocardial infarction, the causes are variable and include lifestyle, social and environmental factors. A detailed assessment is required to determine which risk factors are contributing to the overall risk an individual has of suffering a heart attack.

Common questions regarding a heart attack include:[3]

They would also inquire about your dietary and lifestyle habits, your exercise regimen and any acute or chronic stressors.

The tests used to determine if you had a heart attack and the severity of damage include:

The factors which increase the risk of a heart attack include:[3]

Conditions that tend to mimic the symptoms of a heart attack include:

Myocardial infactions occur due to clotting in a coronary blood vessel. Blood supplying the heart muscle comes entirely from two coronary arteries, both lying along the outside surface of the heart. The death of a portion of the heart muscle is considered a myocardial infarct, and the amount of the heart affected by the sudden occlusion will determine the severity of the attack. Myocardial infarction is usually due to left ventricular damage but may occur in the right ventricle, infarcts are classified as such according to precise location and depth.[9]

Signs and symptoms include:[2]

The goal of naturopathic treatment is to support and work in tandem with the healing power of the body and to address the causal factors of disease with individual treatment strategies. A strength of naturopathic medicine is to identify and addressing underlying conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure which increase the risk of a heart attack.[10]

Determining the prognosis for myocardial infarction depends on the speed with which treatment is sought in some cases. Immediate referral is prudent when MI is suspected. Likewise the extent of damaged cardiac muscle depends on the size of coronary vessels affected and the quantity.[11]

If you or someone you know is having a heart attack you should seek emergency medical care at the closest hospital. Naturopathic care can help prevent heart attacks over the long term or help with the recovery after emergency medical care, but in an acute situation an ER is necessary. Advancements in treatment have increased survival and recovery.[11]

It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor before engaging in any treatment plan.

Home Care strategies include:

Lifestyle recommendations include:

The prescribing of naturopathic therapies requires the guidance of a naturopathic doctor as it depends on a number of factors including the causal factors, a person's age, prescription medications, other conditions and symptoms and overall health. It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor prior to taking any natural therapies.

Naturopathic Therapies for myocardial infarctions include:

Reviewed by Iva Lloyd, BScH, RPE, ND [2]

Original post:

Myocardial infarction (Heart Attack) - Health Facts