myocardial infarction
MICHAEL MENSAH FELBRY COLLEGE SCHOOL OF NURSING ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY 102
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION INTRODUCTION
Myocardial infarction is the technical name for a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when an artery leading to the heart becomes completely blocked and the heart does not get enough blood or oxygen, causing cells in that area of the heart to die (called an infarct).
Most heart attacks are caused by blood clots, which are in turn caused by atherosclerosis (stiffening and narrowing of the arteries). High blood fats (triglycerides) and LDL or “bad” cholesterol form plaque inside arteries, narrowing the passageway and reducing the amount of blood that can flow through. A person’s lifestyle plays a crucial role in preventing a heart attack or recovering from one. Eating a heart healthy diet and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week (or more) can greatly reduce the risk of heart attack.
Causes
Heart attacks happen when an artery supplying your heart with blood becomes blocked. Without blood, the heart doe not get enough oxygen and cells in the heart start to die.
The most common cause of blocked arteries is atherosclerosis. No one knows the exact cause of atherosclerosis, but most researchers believe it begins with an injury to the innermost layer of the artery, known as the endothelium. The following factors are thought to contribute to the damage:
High blood pressure
Elevated low density lipoprotein LDL ("bad") cholesterol
An accumulation of homocysteine (an amino acid produced by the human body, thought to be a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, and dementia).
Smoking
Diabetes
Inflammation
High blood pressure
Elevated LDL ("bad") cholesterol Once the artery is damaged, blood cells called platelets build up there to try and repair the injury. Over time, fats, cholesterol, and other substances also build up at the site, which
MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION INTRODUCTION
Myocardial infarction is the technical name for a heart attack. A heart attack occurs when an artery leading to the heart becomes completely blocked and the heart does not get enough blood or oxygen, causing cells in that area of the heart to die (called an infarct).
Most heart attacks are caused by blood clots, which are in turn caused by atherosclerosis (stiffening and narrowing of the arteries). High blood fats (triglycerides) and LDL or “bad” cholesterol form plaque inside arteries, narrowing the passageway and reducing the amount of blood that can flow through. A person’s lifestyle plays a crucial role in preventing a heart attack or recovering from one. Eating a heart healthy diet and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week (or more) can greatly reduce the risk of heart attack.
Causes
Heart attacks happen when an artery supplying your heart with blood becomes blocked. Without blood, the heart doe not get enough oxygen and cells in the heart start to die.
The most common cause of blocked arteries is atherosclerosis. No one knows the exact cause of atherosclerosis, but most researchers believe it begins with an injury to the innermost layer of the artery, known as the endothelium. The following factors are thought to contribute to the damage:
High blood pressure
Elevated low density lipoprotein LDL ("bad") cholesterol
An accumulation of homocysteine (an amino acid produced by the human body, thought to be a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, diabetes, and dementia).
Smoking
Diabetes
Inflammation
High blood pressure
Elevated LDL ("bad") cholesterol Once the artery is damaged, blood cells called platelets build up there to try and repair the injury. Over time, fats, cholesterol, and other substances also build up at the site, which