Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
A myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood supply to the myocardium (heart muscle) is blocked and a portion of this tissue dies.
The heart pumps blood that carries oxygen throughout the body. Like other organs, the heart needs oxygen to survive. The coronary arteries, located on the surface of the heart, supply blood and oxygen to the myocardium. When blood flow decreases or is blocked, the heart tissue is damaged and may die.
Causes
The cause of a myocardial infarction is not always known. However, most heart attacks are caused by a blood clot that blocks one of the coronary arteries. When blood flow is interrupted, the heart suffers from a lack of oxygen and heart cells die.
A heart attack can occur:
- When a person is resting or sleeping
- After a sudden increase in physical activity
- During exposure to cold weather
- After sudden and intense emotional or physical stress, including illness
Symptoms
A myocardial infarction is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
DO NOT WAIT. The risk of sudden death is highest during the first hours of a heart attack. Call 911 or emergency services immediately.
Classic symptom
The most recognized symptom is cardiac pain or chest pain.
The pain may be felt in one area or may radiate from the chest to:
- Arms
- Shoulders
- Neck
- Jaw
- Teeth
- Abdomen
- Back
The pain may be mild or severe and may be described as:
- A tight band around the chest
- Severe indigestion
- A sensation of extreme heaviness (often described as “an elephant sitting on the chest”)
- Crushing or intense pressure
The pain usually lasts more than 20 minutes and does not always improve with rest or nitroglycerin. Symptoms may disappear and then return.
Differences in symptoms between men and women
Traditional symptoms (more common in men)
- Pain or discomfort in the center of the chest
- Discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Cold sweat
- Nausea or dizziness
More common symptoms in women
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Weakness
- Unusual fatigue
- Cold sweat
- Nausea or dizziness
Other possible symptoms
- Anxiety
- Cough
- Fainting
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Nausea and vomiting
- Palpitations (a sensation of rapid or irregular heartbeats)
- Difficulty breathing
- Profuse sweating
Some people, especially older adults, people with diabetes, and women, may experience little or no chest pain. In some cases, a heart attack may be silent, meaning it occurs without obvious symptoms.
Risk factors
The key to preventing a myocardial infarction is controlling risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the likelihood of having a heart attack.
Modifiable risk factors (can be changed)
- Diet high in fats and cholesterol
- Lack of exercise (sedentary lifestyle)
- Smoking
- Chronic stress
- Overweight or obesity
- High cholesterol
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Non-modifiable risk factors
- Age: risk increases with aging
- Sex: people assigned male at birth have a higher risk at younger ages
- Heredity: family history of heart or vascular disease
Other conditions that increase risk
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
Final recommendation
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO HAVE REGULAR MEDICAL CHECKUPS and to seek emergency medical care immediately if any suspicious symptoms occur.