Myocardial Infarction

Abstract

Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack is the disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle (Myocardium) i.e. coronary heart disease. The area of heart muscle that has either zero flow or so little flow that it cannot sustain cardiac muscle function is said to be infracted and the overall process is called a myocardial infarction. MI are of two types; transmural and subendocardial. Mainly it is caused due to oxidative stress and atherosclerosis.Chest pain is the most common symptom of acute MI and is often described as a sensation of tightness, pressure, or squeezing. Other symptoms include diaphoresis (an excessive form of sweating), Shortness of breath (dyspnea), weakness, light-headedness, nausea, vomiting, and palpitations. The most common symptoms of MI in women include dyspnea, weakness, and fatigue, sleep disturbances. It can be treated by using  blockers, diuretics, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers and nitrates.