Myocardial Infarction Symptoms : Recognizing Heart Blockages

Recognising Common Signs & Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction

Nowadays, myocardial infarction (MI), or heart attack, has become a serious health issue globally. This is due to several factors like a sedentary lifestyle, stress, high-fat diet, smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure. When blood flow to the heart muscle is obstructed, the oxygen supply is cut off, injuring or killing the tissue.

As per reports, there has been a 50% increase in heart attack cases in adults below 40 since 2020 in India. Thus, being aware of myocardial infarction symptoms can be the key to recovery and survival.

Let's examine the signs and symptoms of myocardial infarction, the major risk factors, and tips to maintain a healthy heart.

What is a Myocardial Infarction?

Myocardial infarction, better known as a heart attack, is the blockage of oxygenated blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. The obstruction usually results from the accumulation of plaque—fat, cholesterol, and other materials—in the coronary arteries.

When the plaque ruptures, the blood clots and blocks all blood flow. Unless medical intervention is obtained promptly, the damaged heart muscle will begin to undergo permanent injury, with possible complications including heart failure or death.

Myocardial infarction is an urgent condition that demands emergency attention to reduce heart damage and enhance survival rates.

What are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction?

Identifying the myocardial infarction signs and symptoms is essential to obtain urgent medical assistance and avoid serious complications. The following are the usual myocardial infarction symptoms to look out for:

• Chest Pain or Discomfort : This is the most frequent symptom of a heart attack. It tends to feel like squeezing, tightness, pressure, heaviness, or burning in the middle or left side of the chest. The discomfort may last longer than just a few minutes or may come and go intermittently. It may often feel like a deep, visceral sensation and may not fully alleviate with rest or nitroglycerin.
• Radiating Pain : The pain can radiate to the shoulders, arms (typically the left), neck, jaw, back, or even stomach. Both arms are involved sometimes. This is more intense and longer-lasting than usual angina.
• Shortness of Breath : Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, can be present before or with chest discomfort. It can occur even when lying down or engaging in a minimal activity. In a few instances, shortness of breath is the sole symptom.
• Profuse Sweating (Diaphoresis) : Sweating profusely without any physical activity is a warning sign. It can be accompanied by clammy or pale skin.
• Nausea, Indigestion, or Vomiting : A few people, particularly women, develop nausea, stomach upset, or vomiting. These are usually confused with indigestion or a stomach infection.
• Fatigue or Weakness : Unusual or severe fatigue at times, days prior to an actual heart attack, can be an initial symptom of myocardial infarction. It is especially prevalent in women.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness : Faintness, dizziness, or even temporary loss of consciousness (syncope) may indicate reduced blood flow to the brain due to compromised heart function.
• Anxiety or a Sense of Doom : Most patients report a sense of extreme anxiety or impending doom in the event of a heart attack. It may be instantaneous and inexplicable.
• Heart Palpitations or Irregular Heartbeat : One may feel a racing or irregular heartbeat, along with weakness or breathlessness in some cases.
• Unusual Sleep Disturbances : There are some reports of insomnia, or inability to sleep, perhaps due to subcardiac distress that is latent, particularly in the period preceding the attack.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Myocardial Infarction?

Knowing the causes and risk factors of a heart attack is essential in helping prevent this fatal occurrence. Listed below are the main contributors:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the number one cause of heart attack and is a result of plaque buildup that blocks or narrows the heart's arteries.
• High Blood Pressure: Increased blood pressure makes the heart workharder and speeds up damage to the arteries, as well as plaque buildup.
• High Cholesterol Levels:High levels of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol encourage plaque buildup in arteries, heightening the risk of blockage.
• Diabetes: Itcan damage blood vessels as well as the heart and nerves, thus raising the possibility of heart attacks.
• Smoking Habits: Smoking damagesthe lining of arteries and raises the risk of clot and plaque development, thus increasing the risk of MI.
• Obesity: Obesity is connected to many risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.
• Poor Dietary Choices: A poor diet that is high in trans fats, saturated fats, and sodium can increase cholesterol levels and accelerate the buildup of plaque in arteries.
• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can elevate blood pressure and create dysrhythmias.
• Excessive Stress: Chronic stress raises blood pressure, which in turn increasesthe risk of a heart attack.
• Family History: A family history of early heart disease poses a substantial risk due to genetic risk factors.
• Age and Sex: Age and gender also contribute to myocardial infarction. Men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55 are at greater risk of a heart attack.
• Poor Eating Habits and Low BP: While not a direct cause of the arterial blockages that lead to a classic heart attack, severely low blood pressure (shock) can critically reduce blood flow to the heart, causing a different type of heart injury known as demand ischemia. Furthermore, chronic conditions like eating disorders can contribute to long-term cardiovascular risk by causing electrolyte imbalances and weakening the heart muscle.
• Other Causes: Infrequent causes, such as spasms of a coronary artery, embolisms or trauma to vessels, or congenital abnormalities of arteries, can also lead to a heart attack.

How to Keep a Healthy Heart and Prevent Myocardial Infarction Risk?

There is no telling when symptoms of myocardial infarction will arise. Hence, taking preventive steps daily can reduce your risk of heart disease. Here are quick and easy ways to nourish a healthy heart:

• Stop smoking since tobacco harms blood vessels and poses a high risk of heart attack and stroke.
• To build a strong heart, aim for 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of active aerobic activity per week.
• To reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, follow a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
• Adopt a healthy weight to reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
• Sleep for a minimum of seven hours a night so your bodyand heart can get some rest and repair.
• Practice stress management through relaxation, deep breathing, meditation, or exercise to steer clear ofunhealthy habits such as overeating or smoking.
• Drink plenty of water, as it makes your heart work more efficiently to circulate blood throughout the body.
• Get regular checkups to keep track of blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar—early treatment can avoid complications.
• Maintain good oral hygiene. Some studies suggest an association between gum disease and heart disease, possibly due to body-wide inflammation. While more research is needed, good oral health is part of overall well-being.
• Laughing frequently can lower stress hormones, increase good cholesterol, and improve blood vessel function.

Early recognition of the symptoms of myocardial infarction can be a lifesaver for affected individuals. A good lifestyle, regular checkups, and vigilance are your best defenses.