A myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack, is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage or death of heart muscle cells. The most common cause of a heart attack is a blockage in one of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. The blockage is usually caused by a buildup of plaque, a fatty material that can accumulate on the inner walls of the coronary arteries, and is often referred to as coronary artery disease.
The symptoms of a myocardial infarction (MI), also known as a heart attack, can vary from person to person, and some people may not have any symptoms at all. However, the most common symptoms of a heart attack include:
SYMPTOMS
- Chest pain or discomfort: This is the most common symptom of a heart attack, and it can feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the centre or left side of the chest. The pain may also radiate to the jaw, neck, arms, or back.
- Shortness of breath: This can occur with or without chest pain, and it can range from mild to severe.
- Fatigue: Some people may experience a feeling of exhaustion or weakness before or during a heart attack.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness: Some people may feel lightheaded or dizzy during a heart attack, which can be caused by a decrease in blood flow to the brain.
- Nausea or vomiting: Some people may experience nausea or vomiting during a heart attack.
- Sweating: Some people may break out in a cold sweat during a heart attack.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats: Some people may experience palpitations or an irregular heartbeat during a heart attack.
It’s important to note that not everyone will experience the same symptoms, and some people may have atypical symptoms. For example, women and older adults are more likely to have atypical symptoms, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or nausea.
Heart attacks can be fatal if not treated promptly. The treatment for a heart attack typically involves a combination of medications and procedures to restore blood flow to the heart, such as clot-busting drugs and angioplasty. Long-term management of heart attack involve lifestyle changes, medications, and follow-up care to minimise the risk of future cardiac events.