Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, causing tissue damage or death due to lack of oxygen. This blockage is most often caused by a blood clot forming in a coronary artery that has been narrowed by atherosclerotic plaque buildup (cholesterol deposits and calcium), though it can also result from coronary artery spasm, dissection, or embolism. Symptoms of a heart attack typically include sudden chest pain or pressure (often described as squeezing, tightness, or heaviness), pain radiating to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, and overwhelming fatigue. However, some people, particularly women, older adults, and diabetics, may experience atypical symptoms such as unusual fatigue, indigestion-like discomfort, or no chest pain at all. Diagnosis requires immediate medical evaluation including electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect heart rhythm abnormalities and areas of damage, blood tests to measure cardiac enzymes (troponin, CK-MB) that are released when heart muscle is injured, and imaging studies such as echocardiogram or cardiac catheterization to assess heart function and identify blocked arteries. Treatment is time-critical and aims to restore blood flow as quickly as possible through emergency procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent placement to open the blocked artery, thrombolytic medications (clot-busting drugs) if PCI is not immediately available, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery for severe multi-vessel disease. Medications administered during and after a heart attack include aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs to prevent further clotting, beta-blockers to reduce heart workload, ACE inhibitors or ARBs to protect heart function, statins to lower cholesterol and stabilize plaques, and nitroglycerin to relieve chest pain. Long-term outcomes depend on the size and location of the heart attack, how quickly treatment was received, and adherence to cardiac rehabilitation and lifestyle modifications including smoking cessation, heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and medication compliance. With prompt treatment, many people survive heart attacks and can return to normal activities, though some may experience complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, or reduced exercise capacity requiring ongoing medical management.

Acute Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

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