Acute myocardial infarction

Definition

Acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked for an extended period. This results in damage or death of the heart muscle due to lack of oxygen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating.
2. Immediate treatment often involves medications like aspirin, nitroglycerin, and thrombolytics.
3. A primary cause is the rupture of plaque within coronary arteries leading to clot formation.
4. ECG changes such as ST-segment elevation are diagnostic indicators.
5. Timely reperfusion therapy significantly reduces mortality and complications.

Review Questions

• What are the first-line medications used in the treatment of acute myocardial infarction?
• How does plaque rupture contribute to an acute myocardial infarction?
• What ECG findings are typically associated with acute myocardial infarction?

Related terms

Angina Pectoris: Chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Thrombolytics: Medications that dissolve blood clots.

Coronary Artery Disease: A condition characterized by narrowed coronary arteries reducing blood flow to the heart.