It is the drastic reduction of blood irrigation caused by the obstruction (stenosis) of an artery and that causes the death or necrosis of the cells, normally, of the heart muscle (myocardium) that is responsible for pumping the blood. What exactly does it happen? Coronary arteries are narrowed and oxygen does not reach the myocardium that, therefore, cannot produce energy to perform pumping and myocardial tissue cells die totally or partially, necroson, because they do not receive blood. Men 45 years of age and older and women 55 years old or more are more likely to suffer it.
Causes of acute myocardial infarction
Total or partial blockage of myocardial blood flow
A coronary artery can narrow or block by the accumulation of substances such as cholesterol plates. One of these plates can form a blood clot if cholesterol and other substances are broken and poured into the blood flow; A clot that can block that flow totally or partially depriving the myocardium of oxygen and nutrients.
The main risk factors are:
– Hereditary factors.
– Age.
– Smoking.
– Arterial hypertension.
– Accumulation of fats such as cholesterol (atherosclerosis) and triglycerides in coronary arteries.
– Diabetes.
– Metabolic syndrome (obesity, hypertension and diabetes).
– Obesity.
– Sedentary lifestyle.
– Stress.
– Drug use. They can cause a spasm in the coronary artery closing a part of the blood flow to the myocardium.
– Background of preeclampsia (high pressure during pregnancy).
– Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Symptoms of acute myocardial infarction
Intense pain in the sternum or the upper part of the abdomen
Patients usually refer intense and heavy pain in the sternum area that despite performing some movements or trying to breathe. That pain can spread to jaw, neck and back, left arm and in some cases to the right arm. They also usually refer cold and dizziness. Sometimes there are signs of discomfort that occur hours before, days and even weeks. The most common warning is chest angina, recurrent pain in the chest that is relieved with rest.
Other times it is presented as a pain in the upper abdomen, difficulty breathing, desire to vomit and loss of knowledge.
Before any of these symptoms, you must immediately contact emergency services or ask someone to take us to the nearest hospital.
Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction
Electrocardiogram and blood analysis
The procedure includes the immediate realization of an electrocardiogram and blood analysis. The electrocardiogram can demonstrate alterations that allow classifying the infarction, its prognosis and treatment. Blood analysis demonstrates an increase in the concentration of CPK-MB and troponin; substances that rise when there is damage to heart cells.
Additionally, they can also be done:
– Chest radiography.
– Echocardiogram.
– Angiography.
– Effort test.
– Computerized tomography.
Treatment and medication of acute myocardial infarction
Facilitate the work of the heart
The treatment consists of quickly restoring blood flow into the heart muscle. The first intervention is performed with drugs: aspirin if the patient can take it; thrombolytic to dissolve blood clots; antiplatelets to prevent new clots; heparin to reduce the possibility of forming new clots; analgesics to reduce pain; nitroglycerin to widen blood vessels; beta blockers to reduce blood pressure; inhibitors to reduce the effort that the heart has to make; or statins to control the level of blood cholesterol.
As surgical interventions, cardiac catheterization can be performed to find obstructions and the placement of stents to open the clogged artery. In some cases, emergency bypass surgery can be performed to sew veins and arteries above the obstructed zone to restore blood flow to heart.
After the restoration of the heart rate the pattern to follow includes: medication, changes in lifestyle from a vital and emotional point of view, diet, and physical activity.
Acute myocardial infarction prevention
Diet, not smoking, exercise and controls
Cardiologists insist that prevention is the best prevention in front of heart attacks: maintaining healthy weight with a healthy diet rich in nuts, broccoli, black chocolate, strawberries, curry, green tea, olive oil, salmon and legumes . Do not smoke, take alcohol in moderation, exercise regularly, control stress and anxiety is fundamental.
It is also key to carry out periodic blood pressure controls, especially if we have it high, and blood analysis to know our cholesterol levels and if we run at risk of developing diabetes.
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