Myocardial Infarction

Etiology

Myocardial infarction occurs when the coronary arteries are blocked by a blood clot. It is commonly known as “heart attack”. The heart needs its own constant supply of oxygen and nutrients to work properly. Two coronary arteries delivery oxygenated blood to the heart, and if one of these two arteries fail or become blocked, then a portion of the heart will not acquire the necessary oxygen. This clot could be because of CAD (coronary artery disease), which happens when the inner walls of the coronary arteries thicken because of build up of cholesterol, fatty deposit, calcium among other elements that are carried in the blood (Boston Scientific, 2009).

The size or pattern of the infarct mainly depends on the location and extent of the occlusion. The area of the infarction is determined by the coronary artery that is affected. Also the blood flow, the duration of the occlusion, and other factors like blood pressure, and cardiac rhythm influence on the size of the infarct. The endocardium, myocardium, epicardium or a combination of them, all can be affected by the infarct. (Mattson Porth, 2011).

Symptoms and Signs

There are many symptoms related to heart attacks, the most important one is chest pain. Chest pain can be derived from many other reasons and not necessarily is related to the heart, but the only way to confirm whether or not is relate to the heart is doing the necessary studies. Angina pectoris is a disease that can cause mild to moderate pain, and the pain may spread to the arms and the jaw, like the symptoms of a heart attack. The pain is inconsistent and come and goes, as Dr. Maestri said, “your body is telling you: take care because you may have a heart attack.”

There are many other signs of a heart att...

... middle of paper ...

...efore. They have the risk of heart failure; they may suffer from angina pectoris (a heart disease with similar symptoms of a heart attack), and many other diseases like diabetes, hypertension, etc. Deaths have decreased through the pass of the years, but still many people die on a frequent basis of heart attack. Many victims of these disease die even before they reach the hospital and many others die in the hospital.

Conclusions

After doing all my readings, I have reach to the conclusion, that as many doctors say, the best way to avoid a heart attack is by taking the necessary precautions to prevent it. Regular check ups, a balance diet, exercises can decrease the risks of suffering a heart attack or any type of disease. Many people survive, but others do not have the same luck and die. After reviewing MI, I have learned the importance of preventive medicine.