This document provides an overview of acute myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack. It discusses the definition, causes, risk factors, pathogenesis, classification, diagnosis and management of MI. The diagnosis involves taking a patient history, examining signs and symptoms, electrocardiography, serum analysis and echocardiography. Management is staged and involves pre-hospital, emergency department and post-discharge care, with a focus on reperfusing the blocked artery as quickly as possible, such as through percutaneous coronary intervention or thrombolytic therapy. The goal is to correctly identify the type of MI, treat the patient according to guidelines and manage any complications.
Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, results from a critical imbalance between oxygen supply and demand in the heart muscle. The primary cause is coronary artery occlusion due to atherosclerosis, vasospasm, or embolism. Symptoms may include chest pain, dyspnea, sweating, and anxiety. Diagnosis is made based on elevated cardiac enzyme levels and ECG changes. Initial treatment focuses on pain relief, oxygen, fluids, and aspirin while long-term prevention includes medications like beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, antiplatelets, and statins to reduce risk of future heart attacks and heart failure.
Myocardial infarction occurs when blood flow to the heart is obstructed, causing death of heart muscle tissue. It is usually caused by atherosclerosis leading to coronary artery occlusion. Risk factors include conditions like diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol, and family history. Symptoms include chest pain and potential complications are arrhythmias, heart failure, or cardiac rupture. Diagnosis involves cardiac enzyme and troponin levels, electrocardiogram, and other imaging tests. Treatment focuses on restoring blood flow, reducing risk factors, managing pain and symptoms, and monitoring for complications.