What is infarction?
Myocardial infarction occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked, thus killing a portion of the heart muscle. When the artery becomes blocked, the blood supply to the heart is suppressed. If it is prolonged, the tissue dies and does not regenerate.
Causes of infarction or why it occurs
The main risk factors for heart attacks are the following:
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Dyslipidemia (alteration of lipids)
- Stress
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Lactic uric acid
- Renal insufficiency
Can it be prevented?
All of the above risk factors for heart attack can be avoided. This is where the importance of prevention lies. However, it is not a disease that can be completely prevented because factors such as family history, sex and age also play a role.
It is important to have regular clinical and/or cardiological check-ups. It is also important to undergo tests such as echocardiogram and electrocardiogram. These studies make it possible to determine whether the patient is within the risk parameters. If the patient is within these risk parameters, it is recommended to stop smoking, practice aerobic activity three times a week and follow a healthy diet.
What is the treatment?
Some treatments for heart attack are started as soon as it is suspected, even before the diagnosis is confirmed. These treatments include: oxygen; aspirin, to prevent blood clots from forming; and nitroglycerin, which improves blood flow.
For the treatment of infarction, the specialist can administer various drugs: thrombolytics, beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.
Treatment can also be non-pharmacological, consisting of balloon angioplasty or coronary artery bypass grafting.