Myocardial Infarction (MI) is the event of a heart attack that occurs due to the plaque buildup in the coronary arteries. This in turn leads to a reduction in the blood flow to the heart and also lack of Oxygen supply. Shortness of breath, chest pain, vomiting and fatigue are some of the most common Myocardial Infarction
Symptoms to look out for.
Myocardial Infarction is a serious medical urgency that requires comprehensive treatment. People with genetic problems may be at a much higher risk of this problem. That is why seeking assistance from a potential medical expert becomes the need of the hour. This should never be ignored.
In this article, you are likely to find out about Myocardial Infarction in detail. So, make sure you read this article until the end.
What Are Myocardial Infarction Causes?
image source: Photo by Louis Bauer: pexels
The human body includes coronary arteries that are responsible for transmitting Oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. When plaque buildup occurs in this passage, the coronary arteries may slowly get blocked or narrowed. As such, the passing of Oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle may become difficult. When this occurs, the risk of heart attack increases. This is when Myocardial Infarction may be caused.
The plaque buildup occurs gradually in the coronary arteries. This plaque buildup may even accompany initial symptoms. However, in many cases, there may be no symptoms at all. This process of plaque buildup is called Atherosclerosis. Generally, this plaque consists of waste products in the body, cholesterol and even Fibrin.
However, you may also experience a blood clot. When the situation becomes terrible, irreparable damage may begin to show up within 30 minutes of the blockage. As such, the body may stop receiving Oxygen and heart attack may occur instantly. That is why doctors keep an eye on the Myocardial Infarction causes.
What Are Some Myocardial Infarction Symptoms To Know About?
image source: Photo by Gustavo Fring: pexels
Given below are the most common Myocardial Infarction symptoms. However, the symptoms may differ from individual to individual.
- Chest pain that worsens
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Unexplained fatigue
- Irregular pulse
- Fainting
- Sweating and paleness
- Pain that extends to the jaws, neck and shoulder
Remember that chest pain may also occur due to other reasons. This implies that it can be due to other underlying conditions as well. That is why it is prudent to visit a health expert and seek the right assistance from them in need. They will be able to diagnose your condition and provide the right remedy for it.
What Are Some Of The Myocardial Infarction Treatments To Opt For?
If you think that anyone around you is suffering from a heart attack, you need to call the ambulance urgently without fail. Remember any delay can be life-risking.
- Generally, Intravenous therapy may be provided to the patient. This may include Morphine or Nitroglycerin.
- Oxygen therapy may be initiated to pump enough Oxygen into the coronary arteries.
- Persistent monitoring of heart and vital signs.
- A pain reliever is provided that helps reduce the pain that the patient might be undergoing. This may eventually reduce the workload of the heart.
- Antiplatelet therapy helps combat the risks of blood clotting.
How To Prevent A Myocardial Infarction?
Yes, it is possible for you to prevent Myocardial Infarction. If you are someone who has previously had heart attacks, even then these pointers mentioned below can help you. So, make sure you follow them carefully.
image source: Photo by George Morina: pexels
- Quit smoking. Tobacco has been associated directly with heart attack for the longest time as it is one of the primary reasons for plaque buildup. Try asking your doctor for some smoking substitutes you could try. They will definitely help you.
- Limit your alcohol consumption. It is equally devastating as smoking is for your health.
- If you are overweight, you need to make sure that you reduce your weight at the earliest. This is important because obesity is also directly associated with Myocardial Infarction.
- If you think you are experiencing Cholesterol problems or you want to keep your health at check, it only makes sense to go for regular checkups. Your doctor will run a timely examination to make sure that you are not experiencing any cholesterol problems. They will also look out for any means to manage your blood pressure in case it is high. These are great ways to reduce your chances of having a heart attack any soon.
- You may also be recommended to consume a small dosage of Aspirin daily. This helps decrease the risks of a blood clot that eventually helps reduce the risks of a heart attack as well.
Who Is At A Higher Risk Of Myocardial Infarction?
Some people can be at a higher risk of Myocardial Infarction. In general cases, people who have Myocardial Infarction running in the family may be more susceptible to suffering from it. So, you need to keep an eye for it.
image source: Image by Tumisu: Pixabay
- Anyone with a high blood pressure problem
- Anyone with a genetic problem
- People who are overweight
- Individuals with Type 2-Diabetes
- Anyone who smokes a lot
- Anyone who consumes alcohol
- People who lead a sedentary lifestyle
- Anyone with a high level of saturated fat content in their diet
- People who do not manage stress at all
If you already know that you are at a high risk of a heart attack, make sure that you start taking the right measures to mitigate them on time. That is one way you can safeguard your future and save yourself from a life-threatening condition.
The Bottom Line
Heart attacks can be life-risking. It is also a medical urgency that can be very disturbing to face. If you do not want your family to end up in a havoc due to such a situation, it only makes sense to mitigate the risks while you still have time. Make sure you go for regular checkups. Speak to your doctor and ask them about more ways you can beat this issue of heart attack altogether. You must also try and find out how you can save other people’s lives on time.
