Myocardial Infarction Symptoms

The heart is an extraordinary organ that pumps blood continuously, keeping us alive. When the blood supply to the heart is interrupted, it leads to myocardial infarction (MI). This condition is also called acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and in common terms known as a heart attack. If not treated, as soon as possible, it can lead to infarction (damage and death) of the myocardium (heart tissue). We shall take a look at myocardial infarction symptoms in men and women that will help us detect this condition as early as possible. But before that, I shall discuss a short overview of the condition to understand the symptoms in detail.

What is Myocardial Infarction
The heart is supplied with blood and oxygen with the help of coronary arteries. When there is a blockage of the coronary artery, it causes deprivation of the heart muscles of blood and oxygen. This deprivation causes injury to the heart muscles leading to chest pain. If the heart does not receive blood and oxygen within 20 to 40 minutes, it leads to death of the cardiac tissue. When the main coronary artery suffers from a blockage it leads to death of a large area of heart muscles. In case, smaller artery branch is affected, lesser area of heart muscles will be affected. Those who survive the heart attack symptoms, develop scar tissue, over weeks, in place of the dead heart muscles.

Causes
Myocardial infarction symptoms are most commonly caused by thrombosis (blood clots). These blood clots are formed within a coronary artery, or its branches. These clots block the flow of blood and oxygen. These clots form in atheroma or fatty plaques within the lining of the arteries. Over the years, these fatty deposits develop in one or more places within the coronary artery. Other causes include intense physical and psychological stress, acute pneumonia, angina pectoris, atherosclerosis, etc. Risk factors that lead to myocardial infarction include diabetes, high blood pressure, age, family history of heart attacks, smoking, chronic alcoholism, obesity, stress. Generally, men are at a greater risk than women.

Symptoms
The symptoms in men and women may differ slightly. It has been found lesser women suffer from the typical symptoms of myocardial infarction. However, the classic signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction include:

• Chest pain that radiates to the left arm or left side of the neck
• Shortness of breath
• Fullness or squeezing sensation within the chest
• Jaw pain, headache or toothache
• Nausea
• Vomiting and abdominal discomfort
• Sweating
• Arm pain and upper back pain
• Malaise
• Anxiety

The typical symptoms of heart attack in women are less commonly observed than in men. It has been found less than 30% women report any kind discomfort or pain in the heart or chest. About 40% say they never experienced any kind of chest pain during any stage of the heart attack. But, it does not rule out that chest pain is definitely the most common heart attack symptom in men as well as women. The major symptoms of myocardial infarction in women include:

• Unusual fatigue
• Sleep disturbance
• Indigestion
• Anxiety
• Shortness of breath
• Weakness
• Cold sweat
• Dizziness

Treatment
The minute one suspects the symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical help. The patient maybe given blood thinning medication like aspirin. Beta blockers maybe suggested to lower the heart rate as well as control the elevated blood pressure. In case of severe heart attack, the doctor may prescribe angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE) and other drugs like statins, niacin, etc. to lower the cholesterol. In certain emergency cases, angioplasty is performed.

After one suffers from a heart attack, it is very important to bring about a change in one's lifestyle. One has to avoid smoking, eating fatty food, increase physical activity, control high blood pressure and cholesterol, etc. Eating healthy and keeping stress levels in check will help prevent occurrence of another heart attack. Follow your doctors instructions carefully and, for any further information on myocardial infarction, speak to your health care provider for more details.