Impending Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Coronary occlusion with myocardial infarction is a common condition with a high mortality. The mechanism of coronary occlusion in such cases is not always clear, but thrombosis, either directly or indirectly, is a dominant process. In many instances premonitory symptoms give warning that myocardial infarction is threatening. It is suggested that these symptoms form a recognizable pattern which permits recognition of impending myocardial infarction with a high degree of accuracy. Three common presentations are described. Frequency of diagnosis of impending infarction may be increased by a program of patient education. Frompt administration of anticoagulants appears to influence the outcome favorably, particularly in the first few days or weeks of symptoms.