Anatomical Classification
The border zone may be an important site of arrhythmogenesis. Collateral blood flow is an important
determinant of infarct size and whether the border zone becomes irreversibly damaged.
Physiological Classification
it can disrupt the pumping function of your heart. This can reduce or stop blood flow to the rest of your
body, which can be deadly if someone doesn’t correct it quickly.
CAUSATIVE AGENTS
The blockage is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arteries (atherosclerosis). Plaque is made up of
deposits, cholesterol, and other substances. When a plaque breaks (ruptures), a blood clot quickly forms.
The blood clot is the actual cause of the heart attack.
If the blood and oxygen supply is cut off, muscle cells of the heart begin to suffer damage and start to
die. Irreversible damage begins within 30 minutes of blockage. The result is heart muscle affected by the
lack of oxygen no longer works as it should.
High blood pressure. This can damage your arteries and accelerate the buildup of plaque.
High blood sugar levels. Having high levels of blood sugar can damage blood vessels and eventually lead
to coronary artery disease.
Smoking. Smoking may increase your risk for heart attack and lead to other cardiovascular conditions
and diseases.
Age. The risk of having a heart attack increases with age. Men are at a higher risk of a heart attack after
age 45, and women are at a higher risk of a heart attack after age 55.
Sex. Not only do men have a significantly higher risk of having a heart attack than women, but they also
often have heart attacks earlier in life.
Family history. You’re more likely to have a heart attack if you have a family history of early heart
disease. Your risk is especially high if you have male family members who developed heart disease
before age 55 or if you have female family members who developed heart disease before age 65.
Stress. Although the evidence for this is still limited, stress may alsoTrusted Source be a trigger for acute
myocardial infarction. Reducing chronic anxiety or stress can help reduce the risk of a heart attack and
other heart problems over time.
Physical inactivity. Getting regular exercise can help keep your heart healthy by helping you maintain a
moderate weight, as well as reduce your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
Drug use. The use of certain drugs, including cocaine and amphetamines, can narrow the blood vessels,
which could increase the risk of heart attack.
Preeclampsia. If you have a history of preeclampsia, or high blood pressure during pregnancy, you may
be at a higher risk of developing heart problems later in life.\
DIAGNOSIS
Healthcare providers usually diagnose heart attacks in an emergency room setting. If you have
heart attack symptoms, you should undergo a physical examination. A provider will check your
pulse, blood oxygen levels and blood pressure, and listen to your heart and lung sounds.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) A myocardial infarction ECG measures the electrical activity of the
heart. It's a simple test to detect heart health.
• Blood tests Specific heart proteins in the blood can help to diagnose heart problems.
• Chest X-ray A chest X-ray helps the doctor to check the heart size and its blood vessels and to
monitor fluid in the lungs.
• Echocardiogram Ultrasound generates images of the moving heart. It helps to monitor heart
function.
• Coronary catheterization (angiogram) A liquid dye is injected into the blood vessels to check for
any arterial blockage.
• Cardiac CT or MRI These heart imaging tests are done to create images of the heart and chest
and help to diagnose any heart problems.
• Nuclear heart scans. These scans use a radioactive dye a provider injects into your blood and
computer-enhanced methods like computed tomography (CT) to find areas of your heart that
aren’t receiving as much blood or are injured. These scans can be single-photon emission
computed tomography (SPECT) scans or positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
TREATMENT
Anti-clotting medications. This includes aspirin and other blood-thinning medicines.
Nitroglycerin. This medicine relieves chest pain and causes blood vessels to widen so blood can pass
through more easily.
Thrombolytic (clot-busting) medications. Providers use these only within the first 12 hours after a heart
attack.
Antiarrhythmia medications. Heart attacks can often cause malfunctions in your heart’s normal beating
rhythm called arrhythmias, which can be life-threatening. Antiarrhythmia medications can stop or
prevent these malfunctions.
Pain medications. The most common pain medication people receive during heart attack care is
morphine. This can help alleviate chest pain.
Beta-blockers. These medications help slow down your heart rate so your heart can recover from the
injury of a heart attack.
Antihypertensives. These medications decrease your blood pressure and can help your heart recover
from the injury of a heart attack.
Statins. These medications help stabilize the plaque in your heart’s blood vessels so they’re less likely to
rupture. They also help reduce cholesterol and the chances of having another heart attack.
What I learned: Myocardial Infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious medical
condition where the heart muscle is deprived of blood flow, leading to damage or death. This occurs due
to blockages in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart.
CONCLUSION: Understanding the causes, symptoms, classifications, and treatment options is crucial for
effective management and prevention. Radiologic technologists play a vital role in the diagnosis of MI by
performing imaging procedures that help visualize the heart and blood vessels. It is important to be
aware of the risk factors for MI and to take steps to reduce your risk, such as maintaining a healthy
lifestyle, managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and avoiding smoking.
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