CARDIAC PATHOLOGIES
INFARCTUS
A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly interrupted, leading to damage or death of heart cells. This usually occurs due to a blockage in the coronary arteries, which supply oxygenated blood to the heart muscle.
Causes:
Myocardial infarction is usually caused by the formation of a blood clot in a coronary artery already narrowed by the accumulation of plaque, a mixture of fats, cholesterol and other substances. The main causes include:
Atherosclerosis: A disease characterized by the deposition of plaque in the arteries, which reduces blood flow.
Embolism: A blood clot or plaque particle from another part of the body can travel in the bloodstream and block a coronary artery.
Coronary spasm: A sudden, temporary narrowing of a coronary artery can cause a myocardial infarction, even in the absence of significant plaque.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of a myocardial infarction can vary, but often include:
• Pain or a feeling of pressure, tightness or burning in the chest, which may radiate to the left arm, back, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Excessive sweating.
• Dizziness or vertigo.
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis of a myocardial infarction is based on a combination of medical history, physical examination and paraclinical TO BE CARRIED OUT URGENTLY AFTER CALL OF 15, such as:
• Electrocardiogram (ECG): To evaluate the electrical activity of the heart.
• Blood test: To measure levels of cardiac enzymes, such as troponin, which increase with heart damage.
• Echocardiography: To evaluate the structure and function of the heart.
• Coronary angiography (coronarography): To visualize the coronary arteries and identify blockages.
Treatment :
• Treatment for a myocardial infarction aims to restore blood flow to the heart muscle and prevent complications. It may include:
• ​Medications: Such as antiplatelets, anticoagulants, thrombolytics and medications to reduce the workload of the heart.
• ​Coronary angioplasty and stenting: A procedure in which a balloon is used to open the blocked artery, followed by placement of a small mesh tube (stent) to hold the opening.
• ​Coronary artery bypass surgery: A surgical procedure in which healthy blood vessels are taken from another part of the body and used to bypass blocked coronary arteries.
​In summary, a myocardial infarction is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY that requires prompt treatment to minimize damage to the heart muscle and reduce the risk of serious complications, such as heart failure, arrhythmias or death.
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