Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Rising Threat in Abu Dhabi, UAE
In Abu Dhabi, heart diseases continue to be the major causes of mortalities, with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) accounting for a big number of cases. As per the Health Authority, Abu Dhabi (HAAD), the prevalence of heart-related diseases, including acute myocardial infarction, has been on the rise, with a report published in the year 2020 displaying that nearly fifteen percent of all heart-related emergencies in the area are due to heart attacks. The alarming statistic emphasizes the dire need for more awareness & prompt medical intervention for those at risk.
What Is Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI)?
Acute myocardial infarction is more commonly known as a heart attack. It occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart gets blocked for a long period, causing damage to the heart muscle. Such blockage is usually a result of the buildup of plaque (which is a mix of cholesterol, fat, & other substances) in the coronary arteries. This leads to ischemia, which happens to be a condition where the heart muscle lacks enough oxygen. If not treated promptly, AMI can cause severe damage to the heart tissue or can even cause death. Its severity is graded based on the extent & duration of the blood flow obstruction. Early medical intervention is crucial to reduce long-term complications & increase survival rates. Treatment options range from medicines to surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the condition.
Types of Myocardial Infarction
There are several types of myocardial infarction that vary in their causes & severity. Recognising the type of myocardial infarction helps healthcare providers tailor treatment strategies accordingly. The 2 most common ones are given below:
- ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: STEMI happens to be the most severe one. It occurs when a coronary artery is totally blocked. It is characterised by substantial changes in the heart’s electrical activity, often visible on an acute myocardial infarction ECG.
- Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: NSTEMI is less severe. It involves a partial blockage of the coronary artery. While NSTEMI still needs immediate treatment, the heart damage is usually less extensive as in the case of STEMI.
Other less common types of myocardial infarction include silent myocardial infarction (where there are very few or no symptoms at all), & coronary artery spasm, which results in temporary ischemia.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Symptoms
Recognising acute myocardial infarction symptoms early is crucial for timely intervention. Common symptoms are given below:
- Chest pain or discomfort: A classic sign of acute myocardial infarction is a sudden, sharp pain in the chest. This is usually described as pressure or tightness. The pain may radiate to the neck, arms, jaw, or even back.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing or feeling winded, specifically when this is accompanied by chest pain, is also a warning sign.
- Cold sweats: Many heart attack sufferers experience profuse sweating.
- Nausea or vomiting: Feeling nauseous or actually vomiting can be a symptom, specifically in women.
- Light-headedness: Fainting or feeling dizzy is a common symptom, usually linked with the drop in blood pressure that happens during a heart attack.
If such symptoms occur, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Causes
Acute myocardial infarction causes are often related to atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries. However, there are some risk factors, which can result in this condition, including the ones given below:
- High cholesterol: Excess cholesterol in the blood leads to plaque formation.
- Hypertension: High BP weakens the arteries. This makes them more prone to blockages.
- Smoking: Tobacco use damages the blood vessels. This increases the risk of AMI.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels damage the coronary arteries over time.
- Obesity & lack of exercise: Poor lifestyle choices, such as an unhealthy diet & sedentary behaviour, tend to augment the risk of heart diseases.
In some cases, acute myocardial infarction can be triggered by other factors too like a sudden emotional or physical stress, drug use (like cocaine), or a spasm of the coronary artery.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Pathophysiology
The acute myocardial infarction pathophysiology begins with a disruption in the blood supply to the heart. This usually happens when a coronary artery gets blocked by a thrombus (blood clot), which is formed on a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque. The heart muscle, which becomes deprived of oxygen, starts to die within minutes, and the longer the blockage remains, the more extensive the damage. A key event in the acute myocardial infarction pathophysiology is ischemia, which is the condition where the blood flow to the heart muscle is diminished, resulting in cellular injury. If ischemia lasts for too long, necrosis (cell death) starts to occur, which could be irreversible. The body’s inflammatory response to such damage can further complicate the healing process, resulting in the formation of scar tissue.
Acute Myocardial Infarction ECG
One of the most reliable diagnostic tools for a heart attack is the acute myocardial infarction ECG. An ECG (electrocardiogram) helps in measuring the electrical activity of the heart. This can reveal abnormalities associated with acute myocardial infarction. In cases of STEMI, the ECG will show elevated ST segments that’s indicative of a full-thickness infarction of the heart muscle. In NSTEMI, the changes might be more subtle, with inverted T waves or ST segment depression. An acute myocardial infarction ECG is usually one of the 1st tests conducted when AMI is suspected, as it can provide useful information within minutes.
Acute Myocardial Infarction ICD-10 Classification
Medical professionals use the acute myocardial infarction ICD-10 code for classifying heart attacks for medical records & insurance purposes. The ICD-10 code for acute myocardial infarction is I21, with additional subcategories to specify the type of heart attack & its location within the heart. For example, I21.0 is used to denote a STEMI affecting the anterior wall, while I21.1 signals a STEMI of the inferior wall. The proper classification helps guide treatment to track the prevalence of different types of AMI worldwide.
Acute Myocardial Infarction vs Myocardial Infarction
The difference between acute myocardial infarction vs myocardial infarction lies in the timing & severity of the heart attack. While myocardial infarction refers generally to any instance where heart muscle damage happens because of a lack of blood supply, acute myocardial infarction precisely refers to the initial, sudden phase of the heart attack, during which symptoms are at their most severe, which require immediate medical intervention.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Treatment
Acute myocardial infarction treatment aims to restore blood flow to the heart as fast as possible to minimise the damage. Treatment options include the following:
- Medications: Blood thinners (like aspirin), clot-dissolving drugs (like thrombolytics), and pain relievers are usually administered in the early stages of AMI.
- Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: PCI happens to be a minimally invasive procedure. It is usually called angioplasty. It involves inserting a balloon-tipped catheter into the blocked artery to reopen it.
- Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: In more severe cases, CABG may be required to create a new path for blood to flow to the heart.
- Lifestyle changes & rehabilitation: After immediate treatment, patients are recommended to adopt heart-healthy habits, including moderate exercise, a well-balanced diet, & smoking cessation.
Contacting Dr. Arun Hari for AMI Treatment
For those experiencing the symptoms of acute myocardial infarction in Abu Dhabi, UAE, it is critical to seek expert care immediately. Doctor Arun Hari happens to be a renowned cardiologist at LLH Hospital here. He provides advanced diagnostic & progressive treatment techniques for AMI patients. With his expertise, patients receive personalised care to ascertain the best possible results. Contact Dr. Hari to discuss your case, get an acute myocardial infarction ECG done, and start your journey to recovery.
In conclusion, understanding the risk factors, symptoms, & treatment options for acute myocardial infarction are crucial for reducing the impact of this deadly condition. By staying informed & seeking prompt medical attention, you can considerably better your chances of surviving & recovering from a heart attack.
