Acute myocardial infarction is a life-threatening condition which occurs when the blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly stopped, causing tissue damage.
Myocardial infarction is usually the result of a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries. It is an emergency requiring immediate medical attention.
Symptoms
The frequent symptoms of a heart attack include severe angina and difficulty breathing. Angina pectoris refers to the sensation of discomfort in the center of the chest, described as a sensation of weight, pressure or “claw”.
Also, angina pectoris is characterized by pain, burning or numbness, lasting for more than a few minutes. However, symptoms may vary, and they may also be accompanied by the following:
- Chest, back, maxillary, upper limb pain;
- Cold sweat;
- Nausea;
- Vomiting;
- Extreme anxiety;
- Cough;
- Dizziness;
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
It is important to note that not all people who have a myocardial infarction have the same symptoms or the same severity. Chest pain is the most common symptom among both men and women.
Female patients are more prone than men, to dyspnea, jaw pain, dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Many women with myocardial infarction have reported that the symptoms imitate the clinical picture of influenza.
Causes
Acute myocardial infarction is caused by the blocking or narrowing of the arteries that irrigate the heart muscle. Blood flow to the heart may decrease significantly or even stop, resulting in heart damage.
Several factors may lead to blockage of the coronary arteries and the onset of myocardial infarction. These factors include:
Bad Cholesterol (LDL)
Bad cholesterol, also called LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein), is one of the major causes of artery blockage. Cholesterol may stick to the walls of the arteries and may form atheromatous plaques, blocking blood flow.
Also, platelets in the blood, which play a role in clotting, can stick to the plaque of the atheroma and can accumulate over time.
Saturated fats
Saturated fats can also contribute to the accumulation of the atheroma plaque in the coronary arteries. Saturated fats are found especially in meat and dairy products.
These fats can lead to arterial blockage by increasing the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood, but also by reducing the amount of good HDL cholesterol.
Unsaturated fats
Another type of fat that helps block arteries is trans fats or hydrogenated fats. These are usually artificially produced and can be found in a wide variety of processed foods.
Treatment
Myocardial infarction is a medical emergency, so, in most cases, treatment is started in emergency units.
A minimally invasive procedure, called angioplasty, can be used to unblock the arteries that pump blood into the heart. During this surgery, the doctor will insert a long and thin tube called catheter through the artery, in order to reach the blockage.
Then, a small balloon attached to the catheter will swell to reopen the artery, allowing the blood flow to resume. Another method of treatment is characterized by placing a small tube, called a stent, at the location of the blockage, which can prevent the artery from closing.
In some cases, the doctor may perform a coronary bypass surgery. This intervention involves the revascularization of the heart by redirecting the veins and arteries so that the blood can bypass the blockage.
How can I prevent acute myocardial infarction?
There are several ways in which myocardial infarction can be prevented. One way to reduce the risk is following a diet which designed to be healthy for the heart.
This diet should be, for the most part, composed of whole grains, fresh vegetables and fruits and weak protein.
It is also recommended to reduce the amounts of sugar, salt, saturated and unsaturated fat and cholesterol from food. This is especially important for people with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Regular exercise and the avoidance of sedentary care can improve the health of the cardiovascular system. In the case of people with cardiovascular disease, frequent visits to the physician are recommended in order to keep things under control.
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