Myocardial infarction
Doctor - patient conversation
Patient arrives for a visit, very alarmed and upset.
Doctor: Tell me, what seems to be the problem?
Patient: I have chest pain.
Doctor: How did the pain begin, what were you doing?
Patient: I was resting.
(This question is asked because almost half of the ischemic conditions occur after great physical activity, or emotional stress, or after consumption of alcoholic beverages. Chest pains can also occur frequently over the course of some time, which are signaling symptoms which the patient should relay to a physician as soon as possible.)
Doctor: Have you previously ever had the same sort of pain?
Patient: No, I have not.
(70% of cases ischemia occurs in patients who have never experienced any coronary symptoms.)
Doctor: Describe the pain.
Patient: My chest feels constricted, I feel as though I am drowning.
Doctor: How long has the pain been bothering you?
Patient: Approximately 30 minutes. Sometimes it’s a stabbing pain, other times it subsides, and begins anew. At times, I can barely stand it.
Doctor: Tell me, exactly where it hurts?
Patient: It’s on my sternum, then it expands on both sides of my chest, mostly on the left side.
(This question is asked because often the pain begins in the solar plexus, and stimulates gastric problems. (frequent burping, flatulence))
Doctor: Have you used any medication?
Patient: Nitroglycerine, but it did not have any effect.
Doctor: Do you have any other problems?
Patient: I sweat a lot. I have a hard time catching my breath sometimes (Patient appears pale), feels like I am choking.
Doctor enquires about breathing because patients often exhibit respiratory issues to the point of passing out.
During an infarction, a fever could also arise, sub febrile, which could also reach 38-39 degrees. This is due to the absorption of protein matter at the necrotic zone.
Doctor immediately recommends an EcG.
The EcG clearly exhibits the signs of infarct, which are :
-
- Necrosis
- Lesions
- Ischemia
Through the EcG, one determine the positioning of the ischemia, the degree of heart muscle involved in the ischemia.
Introduction
A heart attack (myocardial infarction or MI) is a serious medical emergency in which the supply of blood to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot.
Symptoms
Read about symptoms of a heart attacks, including chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling and being sick, and anxiety
Causes
Heart attacks are caused by the blood supply to the heart being suddenly interrupted, usually by a blood clot
Diagnosis
If a heart attack is suspected, you should be admitted to hospital immediately. You will usually be admitted to an acute cardiac care unit (ACCU) so the diagnosis can be confirmed and treatment begin.
Treatment
Read about treating a heart attacks, including an ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)
Complications
Read about complications of a heart attack. Complications of a heart attack can vary widely, from mild to life threatening.
Recover from a heart attack
Read about recovering from a heart attack. Recovery can take several months, and it's very important not to rush your rehabilitation
Prevention
Making lifestyle changes is the most effective way to prevent having a heart attack (or having another heart attack).
Patient story: "I thought it would never happen to me again, but it did."
Mike Smith has had three heart attacks. As he nears 60 and enjoys life to the full, he explains how the attacks affected him.
Patient story: "My heart was racing ... the pain was awful."
After a heart attack Debbie Siddons was too scared to pick up her 18-month-old baby. Rehabilitation helped her move on.
Patient story: "I felt like I'd been kicked in the chest."
Following a heart attack, a quick diagnosis and emergency treatment saved Lynn Connors life.
Doctor - patient conversation
Doctor enquires about breathing because patients often exhibit respiratory issues to the point of passing out. Doctor immediately recommends an EcG. Through the EcG, one determine the positioning of the ischemia, the degree of heart muscle involved in the ischemia.
What is an infarct?
Infarct is an ischemic necrosis of the myocardis, which comes as a consequence of the acute insufficiency of the coronary arteries. This comes as a consequence of the obstruction of coronary muscle blood vessels by a thrombus.
What are the symptoms of myocardial infarction?
The most common symptom is chest pain or discomfort that may travel into the shoulder, arm, back, neck, or jaw. Often it is in the center or left side of the chest and lasts for more than a few minutes.
What are the complications that might occur?
Complications that might occur are: cardiogenic shock; progressive cardiogenic shock; septal rupture, rhythm disruptions; pericarditis, thromboembolism, left ventricle aneurysm.
What are the risk factors of myocardial infarction?
Some of the risk factors of myocardial infarction include: hypertonic disease, disruptions in the metabolism of lipids, obesity, inherited hypercholesterolemia, biliary problems, age (above 50 years old), etc.
How is myocardial infarction treated?
Pre-hospital treatment is very important, due to its crucial involvement in preserving and potentially saving the patient’s life. Aiding and transporting the patient to the hospital immediately hold primary importance in saving the patient’s life.
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