Myocardial Infarctions Causes Symptoms And Treatment Options
The heart requires a continuous supply of oxygen-rich blood in order to function properly. This blood is delivered through the coronary arteries, which extend from the aorta. The left ventricle (one of two lower chambers of the heart) pumps blood into the aorta, and some of it travels into the coronary arteries. As long as the vessels remain unblocked, the blood is able to reach the surface of the heart muscle. When one or more blood vessels become obstructed, the person will suffer a myocardial infarction (MI), otherwise known as a heart attack. The event is often fatal.
In the present article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that contribute to a myocardial infarction. We’ll also describe the symptoms that surface, so you’ll be able to identify them and seek prompt medical attention when necessary. Lastly, we’ll cover how a heart attack is treated as well as the long-term problems it presents.
How Does A Heart Attack Occur?
As noted, the condition is triggered by a blockage in a coronary artery. But how does such an obstruction occur in the first place? Most times, plaque builds up inside the artery. It sticks to the inner lining, and slowly causes the passage to narrow. This is known as atherosclerosis. Sometimes, the plaque accumulates to the point that blood flow through the vessel becomes severely limited. This alone can set off an acute coronary event.
Other times, the plaque ruptures. When this occurs, a blood clot forms on top of it, further narrowing the opening through which blood flows. The artery often becomes completely blocked, causing a myocardial infarction.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Heart Attack
Most people expect to feel a sudden jolt of pain in their chests; the pain extends into their shoulders, arms, neck, and jaw, clear signs of a heart attack. While this does happen in many cases – and it should prompt you to seek immediate medical care – an MI often presents symptoms that are harder to identify.
For example, you might experience a shortness of breath; you may start sweating inexplicably; or, you might suddenly feel nauseous. Other symptoms include clammy hands, dizziness, and an strange sense of approaching doom. Every coronary episode is unique. Each presents differently. How can you tell whether the pain in your upper abdomen is caused by heartburn or a heart attack?
If you currently suffer from coronary artery disease (CAD) or atherosclerosis, you should remain aware of any signs that may be related to your heart’s function. For instance, if you feel upper abdominal pain, and you haven’t eaten anything that would cause it, treat the symptom seriously.
Is A Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Necessary?
People often associate myocardial infarctions with heart surgery. To be sure, surgery is often necessary. A common procedure performed to address severely blocked coronary arteries is a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). But this procedure is invasive, and typically done only after other measures have been taken in an attempt to “clear” the artery.
For example, anticoagulants and thrombolytic medications may be given to address clots. Angioplasty and stent installation are also common treatment options. Beta blockers and ACE inhibitors have also proven useful in reducing strain on the heart, and thus improving patients’ chances of survival.
A CABG may be performed, but is rarely the first treatment option attempted to restore blood flow to the heart.
Long-Term Problems Caused By A Myocardial Infarction
If an MI is mild – i.e. the blockage is minimal, and is quickly cleared – the heart muscle will usually be spared long-term damage. If, however, the event is severe or left untreated for an extended period, the patient may experience complications down the road. For instance, the heart may become less effective at pumping blood due to damaged or scarred tissue; the event may trigger an arrhythmia that impairs normal blood flow; or, one of the ventricles might bulge (i.e. ventricular aneurysm) and even rupture.
A myocardial infarction is an emergency condition that warrants immediate hospitalization. For this reason, learn to recognize the signs.
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