What is an acute myocardial infarction?
An acute myocardial infarction is also known as a heart attack. A heart attack can occur when the blood flow through one or more of the coronary arteries to the heart is reduced, therefore reducing the vital continuous oxygen supply. Factors that may contribute to a heart attack include: ageing, a clot (thromboembolism) completely or partially obstructing a vessel, diabetes mellitus, high levels of cholesterol, high blood pressure (hypertension), a diet high in fat or salt, smoking, obesity, or a previous history or family history of cardiovascular disease. A heart attack results in an area of the heart being permanently damaged.
Related Questions
- Which Hospitals Have Significantly Better or Worse Than Expected Mortality Rates for Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients?
- Should the elderly receive thrombolytic therapy, or primary angioplasty, for acute myocardial infarction?
- Why does a patient become sweaty, pallid and tachycardic during an acute myocardial infarction?
