From the Research
A myocardial infarction is commonly called a heart attack by laypeople. This occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot, causing damage or death to heart tissue due to lack of oxygen 1. The blockage typically happens when a coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart, becomes narrowed from buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances (plaque). When plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms that can completely block blood flow, triggering the heart attack. Symptoms often include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back, nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats.
Immediate medical attention is crucial for heart attacks, as treatment with medications like aspirin, clot-busters (thrombolytics), or procedures such as angioplasty can restore blood flow and minimize heart damage 2. The medical term "myocardial infarction" specifically describes what happens during this event: "myo" refers to muscle, "cardial" to the heart, and "infarction" means tissue death due to lack of blood supply.
Some key points to consider in the treatment of myocardial infarction include:
- The importance of early reperfusion strategies and guideline-directed medical therapies 1
- The use of anticoagulant therapy, such as heparin, in addition to aspirin 3
- The potential benefits and risks of different treatment options, including fibrinolytic therapy and coronary angioplasty 4
- The need for ongoing monitoring and management to prevent further complications and improve outcomes 5