Myocardial Infarction Treatment Information
- By:Juliet Cohen
Heart, like all other organs and tissues in the body, requires a supply of blood. The blood supply to the heart is provided by blood vessels called the coronary arteries. Myocardial infarction more commonly known as a heart attack. It is a medical condition. It can lead to a chronic disabling condition because it can cause heart failure. A heart attack is the death of heart muscle from the sudden blockage of a coronary artery by a blood clot. A heart attack is usually caused by a complete blockage of a coronary artery by a blood clot forming. The most common cause of MI is narrowing of the epicardial blood vessels due to atheromatous plaques.
With then plaque rupture exposure of the basement membrane results in platelet aggregation, thrombus formation, accumulation of fibrin, bleeding in the plate, and various degrees of spasms. Nonatherosclerotic causes of MI include coronary vasospasm as seen in variant (Prinzmetal) angina. Myocardial Infarction is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Approximately 1.3 million cases of nonfatal MI are reported each year. Approximately 500,000-700,000 deaths are caused by ischemic heart disease annually in the United States. MI most frequently occurs in persons older than 45 years.
Chest pain is one of the main symptoms of heart attack. The pain may be felt in a body part. The pain can be similar to angina, but it is generally more severe and lasts longer. The pain usually lasts more than 20 minutes. A heart attack is a medical emergency. Treatment of heart attacks include anti–platelet medications to prevent formation of blood clots in the arteries , anti–coagulant medications to prevent growth of blood clots in the arteries, clot–dissolving medications to open blocked arteries. To prevent a heart attack keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol under control.
Myocardial Infarction Treatment and Prevention Tips
1. Antiplatelet medicines help prevent clot formation.
2. Beta-blockers help reduce the strain on the heart and lower blood pressure.
3. ACE inhibitors are used to prevent heart failure and lower blood pressure.
4. Keep your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol under control.
5. Consider drinking 1 to 2 glasses of alcohol or wine each day.
6. Eat a low fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in animal fat.
7. Eat fish twice a week. Baked or grilled fish is better than fried fish.
8. Exercise daily or several times a week. Walking is a good form of exercise.
9. Lose weight if you are overweight and don't smoke.About the author:
Juliet Cohen writes article for Home Remedies. She also writes articles for Makeup and Skin Care.