Myocardial infarction is a medical emergency where one or more coronary arteries supplying the heart are suddenly blocked, typically by a clot or atherosclerotic plaque, leading to oxygen deprivation and tissue death in the heart muscle.
Causes:
- Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries)
- Blood clots (thrombosis)
- Smoking, obesity, hypertension, stress
- Diabetes and heart failure history
Symptoms:
- Intense chest pressure or squeezing pain
- Shortness of breath, cold sweat, dizziness
- Pain radiating to arm, jaw, or shoulder
- Irregular heartbeat, fatigue
- Feeling of impending doom or anxiety
Diagnosis:
- ECG (electrocardiogram)
- Blood tests (troponin levels)
- Heart ultrasound and coronary angiography
Treatment:
- Emergency medical care (resuscitation if needed)
- Thrombolytic (clot-dissolving) therapy
- Stent placement or coronary bypass surgery
- Blood pressure and heart rhythm monitoring
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs