Myocardial infarction: A serious cardiovascular disease and key facts to remember

Myocardial infarction is a serious cardiovascular condition that can lead to severe consequences if not treated promptly, even resulting in death. This is a critical health issue that warrants special attention, given the steadily rising incidence of heart attack cases in recent years.

What is myocardial infarction?

Myocardial infarction occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle become blocked or severely restricted. These arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen and essential nutrients that enable the heart muscle to function effectively. However, when the arterial occlusion, blood flow is restricted, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen and ultimately causing tissue damage.

Cause to myocardial infarction

The primary cause of myocardial infarction is the coronary artery obstruction, most commonly resulting from the buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances along the arterial walls. Over time, these deposits form blood clots, or plaques, which are characteristic signs of coronary artery disease. The following are some of the specific causes:

Atherosclerosis: This is the process in which plaques build up on the arterial walls, narrowing the lumen and restricting blood flow. Plaque consists of fats, cholesterol, fibrous tissue, calcium deposits, and inflammatory cells. When the plaque develops and ruptures, it can cause an arterial blockage and form a blood clot.

*Myocardial infarction is a serious cardiovascular condition that can be life-threatening*

Coronary Artery Damage: Direct damage or injury to the coronary arteries can also lead to a myocardial infarction. For example, a physical impact or inflammation elsewhere in the body can cause damage and inflammation in the coronary arteries.

Smoking is one of the major risk factors for myocardial infarction. Smoking damages the coronary arteries, promotes the formation and buildup of plaque, and increases the risk of blood clots.

Family history: A family history of myocardial infarction, especially in immediate relatives (parents, siblings), is also a risk factor.

Age and gender: The risk of myocardial infarction increases with age. Men generally have a higher risk than premenopausal women. However, after menopause, the risk of myocardial infarction also increases in women.

Diabetes: can cause damage to the coronary arteries and increase the risk of myocardial infarction.

High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage and narrow the coronary arteries, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction.

An unhealthy diet: Consuming a large amount of fat, high cholesterol, sugar, and salt in the daily diet can increase the risk of myocardial infarction.

Lack of physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle and failure to maintain an active routine can increase the risk of myocardial infarction.

High blood lipids: High levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol can increase the risk of myocardial infarction.

Stress and anxiety: Long-term stress and anxiety can affect the cardiovascular system and increase the risk of myocardial infarction.

Other diseases: Other conditions such as chronic kidney disease, arthritis, liver disease, noise-induced hypertension, and many others can also affect the coronary arteries and increase the risk of myocardial infarction.

Understanding the causes of myocardial infarction is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment measures.

Reader may also be interested in:

Warning signs of myocardial infarction

The clinical presentation of myocardial infarction can differ significantly from one patient to another. These variations are largely determined by the extent of coronary artery obstruction and the specific location of the affected myocardial tissue. However, the following are some of the common clinical manifestations of myocardial infarction:

Chest Pain

The most common symptom of myocardial infarction. Chest pain is often described as a sensation of heaviness, pressure, aching, or sharp stabbing pain in the chest. It commonly occurs in the upper chest area, or behind the breastbone, and can radiate to the left arm, neck, jaw, or lower abdomen.

Shortness of breath

A myocardial infarction can cause shortness of breath or gasping. This is due to a portion of the heart muscle experiencing reduced function or fluid buildup in the lungs.

Fatigue

Unusual fatigue and loss of energy may also be symptoms of myocardial infarction. This occurs because the heart muscle is not strong enough to supply adequate blood and oxygen to the body.

Nausea and vomiting

Some individuals may experience nausea or vomiting during a myocardial infarction. This is due to the impact of weakened heart muscle and impaired blood circulation.

Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting

When the supply of blood and oxygen to the brain is reduced due to myocardial infarction, it may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting.

Sore throat or headache

Some individuals may experience symptoms such as sore throat or headache due to the effects of myocardial infarction on the body’s nerves.

Diagnosis of myocardial infarction

Accurate diagnosis of myocardial infarction must be performed by cardiology specialists. The following are some common methods used to establish the diagnosis:

*Cardiac Doppler ultrasound serves as an important diagnostic tool for myocardial infarction*

Clinical examination: Doctors will not only carry out the necessary physical assessments but also discuss with patients their symptoms, medical history, and other potential risk factors. Doctors may also discuss in greater detail symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and other atypical signs
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Used to record the electrical activity of the heart. It can help identify abnormalities in heart rhythm and detect signs of myocardial infarction.
Blood tests: Blood tests can measure blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and other indicators to assess the risk of myocardial infarction.
Imaging diagnosis: Imaging methods, including a chest X-ray and an echocardiogram, may be ordered to assess the heart's structure and function, and to determine the location and severity of coronary artery blockages.
Stress tests: If the results of the above examinations are inconclusive, physicians may request additional stress testing such as an exercise stress test, a pharmacologic stress test, or cardiac catheterization to further evaluate cardiac function and coronary artery status.
Cardiac catheterization: This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin tube, or catheter, inserted through an artery to directly visualize and assess the degree of blockage in the coronary arteries.

Treatment of myocardial infarction

The treatment of myocardial infarction may include several approaches as follows:

Lifestyle modification: lifestyle changes are an essential component in the treatment of myocardial infarction.

Healthy diet: limiting the intake of fat, cholesterol, and salt in daily meals while increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein sources.

Exercise: engaging in regular physical activities such as walking, jogging, or swimming to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of myocardial infarction.

Smoking cessation: smoking is a major risk factor for myocardial infarction. If you smoke, it is essential to make every effort to quit completely.

Stress management: learning to reduce stress and daily life pressures through practices such as yoga or light exercise.

Medication: various drugs may be used in the treatment of myocardial infarction, including:

Chest pain medications (nitrates) to alleviate chest pain symptoms.
Anticoagulants (such as aspirin, clopidogrel) to prevent blood clots from forming in the arteries.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) to control cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of arterial blockage.
Coronary spasm medications (such as beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers) to reduce stress on the heart and improve blood circulation.
Blood pressure medications (such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs) to control blood pressure and reduce the risk of a myocardial infarction.

Coronary interventions: in certain cases, coronary procedures may be performed, including:

Stent placement: a small expandable tube is inserted into the artery to widen and restore its structure.
Atherectomy: a procedure used to remove blood clots and plaque deposits from the coronary arteries.
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): this is a surgical procedure in which healthy blood vessels are used to bypass blocked segments of the coronary arteries, thereby creating a new pathway for blood flow to the heart.
Follow-up care and supportive treatment: after initial therapy, it is essential to continue regular monitoring and supportive management to control the disease and reduce the risk of recurrence. Patients should have periodic check-ups, undergo necessary tests, and adjust medications as prescribed by their physician.

Specific treatment methods will depend on each individual case and must be determined by a qualified physician. Therefore, it is essential to seek medical advice and care from healthcare professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment.

*Regular cardiovascular check-ups to detect abnormalities early*

Prevention of myocardial infarction

Prevention of myocardial infarction is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. The following are some measures to help prevent this condition:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
A balanced and nutritious diet, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, poultry, and lean protein sources.
Reduce consumption of saturated and trans fats (bad fats).
Limit your intake of salt and sugar.
Limit consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
Avoid fast food and processed foods.
Physical activity: Engage in regular physical exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. Activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, and aerobic workouts are all beneficial for cardiovascular health. Maintain a level of physical activity appropriate to your health condition, as advised by your physician.
Reduce smoking: If you smoke, make a concerted effort to quit completely. Smoking is a major risk factor for myocardial infarction. If you need help to quit smoking, you can seek assistance from a healthcare professional or smoking cessation support programs.
Stress management: Learn how to manage and reduce stress in daily life by using relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation, light exercise, or other stress-reducing activities.
Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and physical activity. Obesity is a significant risk factor for myocardial infarction.
Control of blood pressure and blood glucose levels: Regulate blood pressure and control blood glucose levels if you have hypertension or diabetes. Monitor your diet, take medications as prescribed by your physician, and undergo regular health check-ups. Regular health check-ups: Undergo regular health check-ups to detect any cardiovascular problems early and receive timely medical care.

The prevention of myocardial infarction is a long-term process that requires patience and discipline in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Consult with a specialist physician to receive the best possible support.

The Cardiology Department at Hong Ngoc General Hospital is a trusted destination for cardiovascular care. With a team of highly qualified specialists and state-of-the-art equipment, the department provides accurate detection of myocardial infarction and effective treatment protocols, along with dedicated and personalized consultation for each individual case.

Note: The information provided in this article by Hong Ngoc General Hospital is for reference only and should not be considered a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Patients should not self-medicate. To accurately determine their medical condition, patients need to visit hospitals for direct examination, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment planning by physicians.

Follow the official fanpage of Hong Ngoc General Hospital for more useful information.