Myocardial Infarction Treatment

Myocardial infarction, or a heart attack, is a life-threatening condition, which can result in subsequent death if not treated on time. Heart attacks can be caused due to various reasons, some of them being high blood pressure, stress, blocked arteries and high levels of cholesterol in the body. All these factors can interrupt the blood supply to the heart, which can result in a myocardial infarction. Women above the age of 55 and men over 45 years of age are at a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack. A family history of heart attacks is also a contributing factor. Before we take a look at the treatment options, let us discuss the myocardial infarction pathophysiology, along with the symptoms.

What is Myocardial Infarction?

As mentioned earlier, myocardial infarction is the medical term of a heart attack. The main causative factor for this health disorder is blockage of the coronary artery, which is the main artery in the body. Blockage can result due to the accumulation of plaque in the artery or due to a blood clot. This can hamper blood supply to the heart, thereby weakening the cardiac muscles. An unhealthy lifestyle and habits like alcoholism, smoking and drugs can put a person at a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack. Reading the heart attack warning signs in the initial stages will help in administering treatment and improve the chances of survival.

Symptoms of a Myocardial Infarction

Most of the time, the signs and symptoms of a mild heart attack are misunderstood for a heartburn or indigestion problems. Observing the heart attack symptoms and providing necessary treatment is an effective way to help the person cope with this health disorder. Let us take a look at some of the signs of a myocardial infarction, which should not be ignored. The heart attack symptoms in men and women are almost similar, and should never be overlooked.

• One of the initial warning signs of a heart attack is stabbing chest pain, which may radiate to the arm and jaw. Sometimes the pain may be so intense that the individual may suffer from fainting spells.
• Tightness in chest and shortness of breath are also identified as myocardial infarction symptom in individuals suffering from heart attack. A feeling of bodily discomfort is also experienced as a symptom of a heart attack.
• A few other heart attack symptoms in women and men are profuse sweating, fainting spells, nausea induced vomiting and restlessness, etc.

Treatments of Myocardial Infarction

Administering prompt treatment for myocardial infarction is essential to prevent this disorder from resulting in death. Before the myocardial infarction treatment, the health care provider will conduct a series of tests, to diagnose the severity of the heart attack and to have a look at the working of the heart. These tests may include chest X-ray, MRI and CT scan of the thoracic region, blood tests and a physical exam. Other tests like an echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG) and a coronary angiography may also be required. Once all these tests are conducted and condition of the patient is analyzed, the doctor may proceed towards the treatment.

For the treatment, the patient may require hospitalization, where his health condition is monitored continuously and any changes are reported immediately to a cardiologist. Oxygen may be administered, so that the tissues in the body get oxygen without putting pressure on the heart. An IV, through which fluids and medications can be passed into the body is inserted into the vein. A urinary catheter may also be inserted into the bladder for the removal of fluid from the body. The patient is kept under observation and once his condition stabilizes, treatment is administered. Angioplasty may be needed to open up the blocked arteries and is performed within an hour of a heart attack to prevent further complications. A small metal tube, called coronary artery stent, is placed in the artery to prevent it from constriction. Anticoagulants, nitroglycerin, antiplatelet medications and other drugs used to treat myocardial infarction are administered intravenously to prevent formation of clots and also relieve chest pain. A bypass surgery, also known as an open heart surgery may be required to remove the diseased artery and replace it with a healthy one, taken from the leg or any other body part. Post operative care is also provided to the patient and medications to heal surgical wounds is administered, after which the patient is discharged from the hospital. Further follow-up is carried out in the out patient department.

Timely cure and treatment of a heart attack can help increase the life expectancy of a patient and he can lead a normal life again. Take proper precautions to avoid any health disorders that can lead to a myocardial infarction. Stay healthy!