Myocardial Infarction A.K.A. " the Heart Attack
- Submitted by: mudstud03
- Views: 889
- Category: Science
- Date Submitted: 04/07/2010 08:48 AM
- Pages: 4
- Report this Essay
“Myocardial Infarction: a.k.a. The Heart Attack”
Nick Morey
Disease Conditions 242
10-3-2007
Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, is a condition that occurs in both men and women when the blood supply to the heart is disrupted. The heart attack, as well as many other conditions, has signs and symptoms that lead up to the occurrence of one. There are tests that the appropriate medical physician can perform to confirm that a heart attack did happen. There are treatments that a patient can go through in order to get back on their feet after this situation has come about. Prognosis and prevention of this condition are also part of the post-heart attack process.
The term myocardial infarction is obtained from myocardium, which means heart muscle, and infarction, which means tissue death due to oxygen starvation (Wikipedia). The lack of blood supply to the heart causes the muscle tissue to die. One of the most frequent causes is the plaque buildup in the epicardial coronary artery, which leads to clotting. This could result in partial or complete occlusion of the vessels. Total occlusion of the vessels for more than four to six hours can cause irreversible myocardial necrosis (emedicine). Other influences of this disease include obesity, aging, hypertension, heredity, elevated serum triglycerides, cholesterol levels, and low-density lipoprotein levels. Smoking, diabetes, an inactive lifestyle, chronic stress, and certain types of behavior are also causes of having a heart attack.
When knowing what it is that causes a heart attack it allows people to notice any signs or symptoms they may be experiencing. Symptoms of a heart attack are usually gradual, over a period of several minutes, and are rarely immediate. The most common symptom is chest pain. Many people experiencing this pain describe it as tightness, pressure, or squeezing of the chest. Chest pain is caused by the lack of blood to the heart which in turn is the lack of oxygen...
Nick Morey
Disease Conditions 242
10-3-2007
Myocardial infarction, also known as a heart attack, is a condition that occurs in both men and women when the blood supply to the heart is disrupted. The heart attack, as well as many other conditions, has signs and symptoms that lead up to the occurrence of one. There are tests that the appropriate medical physician can perform to confirm that a heart attack did happen. There are treatments that a patient can go through in order to get back on their feet after this situation has come about. Prognosis and prevention of this condition are also part of the post-heart attack process.
The term myocardial infarction is obtained from myocardium, which means heart muscle, and infarction, which means tissue death due to oxygen starvation (Wikipedia). The lack of blood supply to the heart causes the muscle tissue to die. One of the most frequent causes is the plaque buildup in the epicardial coronary artery, which leads to clotting. This could result in partial or complete occlusion of the vessels. Total occlusion of the vessels for more than four to six hours can cause irreversible myocardial necrosis (emedicine). Other influences of this disease include obesity, aging, hypertension, heredity, elevated serum triglycerides, cholesterol levels, and low-density lipoprotein levels. Smoking, diabetes, an inactive lifestyle, chronic stress, and certain types of behavior are also causes of having a heart attack.
When knowing what it is that causes a heart attack it allows people to notice any signs or symptoms they may be experiencing. Symptoms of a heart attack are usually gradual, over a period of several minutes, and are rarely immediate. The most common symptom is chest pain. Many people experiencing this pain describe it as tightness, pressure, or squeezing of the chest. Chest pain is caused by the lack of blood to the heart which in turn is the lack of oxygen...