Unraveling the hidden cause of myocardial infarction and ways we can prevent it

Heart is one of the major organ of the body. It is an organ known by supplying oxygenated blood to different parts of the body.

A damage to this organ can occur when there is decrease or stoppage in the blood flow to the heart which can result to damages in the heart muscle. This defect in blood flow into the heart is what is also known as heart attack.

Today,I am going to be talking on myocardial infarction, its underlying effect in the body and the possible ways which we can use to prevent the severe outcome of this disease.
Stay turned as I go down to explain in detail about this disease.

Myocardial infarction is a disease that occur when the blood supply to the heart is not sufficient.This decrease in the blood supply also result to a decrease in oxygen as blood carries oxygen.

It has been observed that about 40% of people who has this disease are asymptomatic(no symptoms)

underlying causes of myocardial infarction

The inability of the heart to receive sufficient oxygen can be genetic and thus can be regarded as the major cause of myocardial infarction.

Many risk factors for myocardial infarction are potentially modifiable. Tobacco smoking is also known to be the one of the major cause of myocardial infarction as it contributes up to a significant amount.

Polyunsaturated fat has been proven to be most dangerous causes of myocardial infarction. The fat particles occupies the artery and prevent the passage of blood into the heart. The accumulation of this disease is termed to cause
angina pectoris.

Family history of myocardial infarction can also contributes to the major causes of myocardial infarction. Chronic infection such as chlamydophila and influenza are among the cause of this disease.

Haven't known this,do you know that one of the most common causes of myocardial infarction is the rupture or a break of an atherosclerotic plaque on artery that supplies the heart muscle.

Plaque formation ruptures and add to the increase in the formation of blood clot that blocks the artery leading to artherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is known by its inflammation in the wall of artery.

Another main underlying factors that can cause myocardial infarction is a limited blood supply subjected to the heart. This result to decrease in oxygen supply into the heart. A block in the flow of blood into the heart triggers a process called ischaemic cascade,where the cells of the heart begins to die and do not grow back.

This blockage in blood supply to the heart prevents the production of ATP which is needed for the maintenance of electrolyte balance. Decrease in ATP level results to death of the affected cells.

Haven't considered this,tissue death also alters the conduction pathways of the heart and thereby causing weakness of the affected portion.

Management of myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction can be managed using nitroglycerin or morphine. Nitroglycerin improves the blood supply to the heart and decreases the work load of the heart.

This drug also helps to relieve pain associated with myocardial infarction.
The use of anticoagulant also helps to reduce the clot size and thereby prevent clotting in the artery. The use of anticoagulant decreases the rate of mortality by 50% and improve the well being of the patient.

Drugs like clopidogrel,prasugrel and ticagrelor are also use in the management of myocardial infarction.
Fibrinolysis method can also help in the management of myocardial infarction. This involves administration of drugs that activates the body enzyme. The activated enzymes dissolve the blood clots.

This medication includes the use of tissue plasminogen activator,streptokinase,retoplase and terecteplase. The method may not be recommended in a situation that involves high risk of bleeding such as bleeds into the brain.

Another main method of management of myocardial infarction is by the use of angiogram. This involves the use of small probes Inserted through the blood vessels into the heart blood vessels. It clears the blockage using balloon which are use to remove the clot.

Prevention

Myocardial infarction can be prevented by regular exercise. Quitting smoking also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. A reduction in polyunsaturated fats intake such as olive oil and rapeseed oil will reduce the risk of myocardial infarction.

Intake of Mediterranean diet and vitamins deplete the risk factor associated with myocardial infarction as well as Statin drugs.

Signs and symptoms

Chest pain is regarded as the most commonest symptoms of acute myocardial infarction. It is known to cause sensation of tightness. Pain associated with myocardial infarction affects mainly the left arm but may also radiate to the lower jaw,right arm and neck.

Another symptoms that may accompany chest pain are nausea or vomiting, sweating and fainting.
These symptoms occur as a result of inducement by catecholamines from the sympathetic nervous system which occurs as a result of pain.

Diagnosis

Myocardial infarction are diagnose using biomarker to determine the presence of cardiac muscle damage. Troponins is the best method use In The determination of myocardial infarction.

A rise in troponin level within the interval of 2-3 hours indicate the presence of muscle injury. Troponins has advantage over electrocardiogram. ECG method is not as specific as troponin.
It involves measuring of electrical activities of the heart muscle by displaying the rhythm on the screen.

Conclusion

Myocardial infarction is a blockage in the blood supply to the heart. This blockage may be due to formation of clot In The blood vessel. This disease is known to be one of the major causes of death In adult. It can be prevented through regular exercise and decrease In the level of cholesterol intake.

The only way by which this disease can be reduce is through reduction in fat containing meal as it is the major causes of myocardial infarction. I sincerely believe that with this method the rate of mortality rate caused by this disease will be reduced.