Acute Myocardial Infarction - Symptoms and Treatment

Acute myocardial infarction commonly known as a heart attack, is a disease state that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart is interrupted. The resulting ischemia or oxygen shortage causes damage and potential death of heart tissue. This is usually caused by arteriosclerosis with narrowing of the coronary arteries, the culminating event being a thrombosis (clot). The main change is death ( necrosis ) of myocardial tissue. The word "infarction" comes from the Latin "infarcire" meaning "to plug up or cram." It refers to the clogging of the artery, which is frequently initiated by cholesterol piling up on the inner wall of the blood vessels that distribute blood to the heart muscle. Important risk factors are a previous history of vascular disease such as atherosclerotic coronary heart disease and/or angina , a previous heart attack or stroke , any previous episodes of abnormal heart rhythms or syncope, older age especially men over 40 and women over 50, smoking , excessive alcohol consumption, the abuse of certain illicit drugs, high triglyceride levels, high LDL ("Low-density lipoprotein") and low HDL ("High density lipoprotein"), diabetes , high blood pressure , obesity , and chronically high levels of stress in certain persons. The most common symptoms of MI in women include shortness of breath, weakness, and fatigue. Approximately one third of all myocardial infarctions are silent, without chest pain or other symptoms. Immediate treatment for suspected acute myocardial infarction includes oxygen, aspirin, glyceryl trinitrate and pain relief .

Causes of Acute Myocardial Infarction

The common Causes of Acute Myocardial Infarction :

• Smoking.
• Eating a diet high in fat and cholesterol.
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Using cocaine.
• Hypertension, or high blood pressure.
• Family history of heart disease.
• Being overweight.

Symptoms of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Some common Symptoms of Acute Myocardial Infarction :

• Shortness of breath.
• Belching or vomiting.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body