Myocardial Infarction Essay

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Myocardial Infarction

The leading cause of death in males and females alike in America is coronary heart disease. Myocardial infarction, more commonly known as a heart attack, specifically effects a significant number of individuals. It claims a massive number of lives every day and year. “About 790,000 people in the US have heart attacks each year. Of those, about 114,000 will die” (American Heart Association, 2017). It is estimated that someone in America dies from a myocardial infarction approximately every 40 seconds.
What is Myocardial Infarction?
Myocardial infarction is caused by the complete blockage of the coronary artery. The obstruction causes ischemia and for cells to die in the heart wall. The most prevalent cause of myocardial infarction is atherosclerosis. It occurs when deposits of fat or plaque clog, narrow, and harden arteries. “If the blood supply can be restored in the first 20 to 30 minutes, irreversible damage may be prevented” (VanMeter & Hubert,2014, p.241). The most common symptoms of heart attack are abrupt chest pain that radiates to jaw, neck, shoulder, or left arm. Other symptoms include dyspnea, dizziness, nausea, vomiting or fever. Additionally, pallor and diaphoresis can occur.

Risk Factors There are a considerable amount of risk factors that heighten one’s chance of myocardial infarction. The factors …show more content…

Myocardial infarction claims the lives of too many Americans. “About 790,000 people in the US have heart attacks each year. Of those, about 114,000 will die” (American Heart Association, 2017). There are a number of factors that contribute to the probability of having myocardial infarction. However, by taking the correct measures the chance of heart attack can be substantially minimized. Those who have already suffered a heart attack have resources such a rehabilitation to get them back on track and allow them to live healthier lives from here

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