The difference between acute myocardial infarction and myocardial infarction.

Written by Wei Zhen Xia
Geriatrics
Updated on September 29, 2024
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Acute myocardial infarction, characterized by sudden onset, involves persistent angina, profuse sweating, a sense of impending doom, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. Myocardial infarction, also known as heart attack, refers actually to the same condition and there is no difference between them. Once a myocardial infarction occurs, the patient should immediately go to the hospital for medical attention. Diagnostic tests such as an electrocardiogram, cardiac ultrasound, coronary CT, and coronary angiography should be conducted. These tests help determine the extent, severity, and location of the infarction, understand the degree of narrowing of the vessel, and develop a treatment plan to save the patient's life.

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Symptoms and warning signs of myocardial infarction

Patients with myocardial infarction often have some precursor symptoms before the onset of a heart attack, including chest tightness, palpitations, irritability, fatigue, and episodes of angina, among which the angina episodes are most characteristic. This angina can manifest as the first occurrence of angina, or as a worsening of previously experienced angina symptoms. It is characterized by more intense chest pain, longer duration, and often occurs without clear triggers. Nitroglycerin taken sublingually does not fully relieve it. These symptoms should be taken seriously, and it is important to promptly visit the cardiology department of a hospital. Through inpatient treatment, the condition can be stabilized, and many patients can avoid an acute myocardial infarction.

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Written by Xie Zhi Hong
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How long does the pain from a myocardial infarction last?

Acute myocardial infarction often develops from angina pectoris. When angina persists for more than 30 minutes, myocardial necrosis begins. After the myocardial necrosis, symptoms similar to those of a burn appear, such as reddening of the myocardium, blistering, and necrosis. Generally speaking, these symptoms last no less than three days. Many people experience significant improvement after three days because the area of myocardial infarction is relatively small. In patients with extensive myocardial infarction, symptoms can last for 7 days or even longer. During this time, patients may also experience respiratory difficulties, recurrent chest pain, and even sudden death. Therefore, the duration of symptoms in myocardial infarction generally ranges from 3 to 7 days. If there is no improvement within this period, the disease might have led to severe complications.

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Heart attack tests

Patients with myocardial infarction require the following comprehensive assessments: 1. Electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG is an essential test that can reveal specific changes associated with myocardial infarction. 2. Cardiac echocardiography. This imaging test can reflect the activity of the ventricular walls and cardiac function. 3. Laboratory tests, such as complete blood count (CBC). A CBC can show increases in total white blood cell count and C-reactive protein, along with tests for cardiac biomarkers. These cardiac biomarkers help to determine the extent of myocardial infarction. 4. Coronary angiography. Coronary angiography is the gold standard for diagnosing coronary heart disease. Patients with myocardial infarction need an urgent evaluation to determine the degree of narrowing in the coronary arteries, and if necessary, stent placement treatment should be considered.

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Complications of myocardial infarction

Myocardial infarction is a more serious disease of the heart. Suffering from myocardial infarction can cause significant harm to the body and, in severe cases, can be life-threatening. If not properly treated, it can lead to various complications. The most common complications include arrhythmias, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, rupture of the ventricular wall, papillary muscle rupture, and ventricular septal perforation. Therefore, once a myocardial infarction occurs, it is crucial to actively perform rescue operations and treatments to prevent the occurrence of these complications.

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How to maintain health after a myocardial infarction?

Myocardial infarction refers to the occurrence of ischemia and hypoxia in cardiac muscle cells, leading to necrosis of these cells. It is a very serious condition of the heart. Patients with myocardial infarction should pay attention to lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, adopting a low-salt and low-fat diet, eating less or avoiding fatty meat and animal offal, and avoiding staying up late, emotional excitement, fatigue, etc. It is also important to control high-risk factors of myocardial infarction, for example, patients with hypertension should control their blood pressure, those with diabetes should manage their blood sugar, and patients with high blood lipids should control their blood lipid levels and ensure they meet standard levels, etc., follow doctor’s advice, take medications on time, and have regular check-ups, etc.