Acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to a particular part of the heart is disrupted, leading to the death of heart muscle tissue. It is characterized by a sudden and severe blockage of one of the coronary arteries, which are responsible for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
During an acute myocardial infarction, a blood clot, often formed by the accumulation of fatty deposits or atherosclerosis, obstructs the flow of blood through a coronary artery. This blockage prevents the heart muscle from receiving adequate oxygen and nutrients, causing it to become damaged or even die off completely if the blood flow is not restored promptly.
Symptoms of an acute myocardial infarction can vary but often include intense chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and lightheadedness. Prompt medical intervention is crucial as time is of the essence to prevent further damage to the heart muscle or potential life-threatening complications such as abnormal heart rhythm or heart failure.
Diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction is typically determined through the patient's medical history, physical examination, and additional tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), blood tests to measure biomarkers like troponin, and imaging techniques like coronary angiography.
Treatment for acute myocardial infarction aims to restore blood flow to the affected part of the heart as quickly as possible. This may involve medication, such as thrombolytic drugs or anticoagulants, to dissolve or prevent further clot formation, or invasive procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to reopen or bypass the blocked artery, respectively.
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