MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

Cause

• Blockage of coronary arteries
• Drugs such as cocaine

SIGNS &SYMPTOMS

• Fatique
• Chest discomfort
• SOB
• Profuse Sweating
• Dizziness

S&S Continued

• Muscle weakness
• N/V
• Choking sensation
• Anxiety or feeling if impending room
• No symptoms occur with a silent heart attack

Typical Chest Pain in Acute MI has the Following Characteristics

• Intense and unremitting for 30-60 min
• Retrosternal and often raidiates up to the neck, shoulderm and jaw and down to the ulnar aspect of the left arm
• Squeezing, aching, burning, or even sharp
• Can be epigastric

Prevention
Don't smoke
Low fat diet, cholesterol, salt
Exercise
Lose weight is overweight

Treatment

• Aspirin on the onset of symptoms
• Unconscious pt, CPR
• Thrombolytic drug, to break up blood clot, this drug only works 3 hr after first symptoms
• Anticoagulant, Heperin and Warfrin, thin blood
• Atenalol, slows heart rate