Myocardial Infarction

Introduction

Myocardial Infarction (MI) commonly known as heart attack occur when blood supply is interrupted, causing damage or death of the heart cells. In that case, this treatise seeks to give limelight to myocardial infarction, its causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention methods.

Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction

Patients suffering from myocardial infarction complain of chest pains and are often anxious. Other symptoms are nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, palpitations, and vomiting. It has been noted that most people who suffer from myocardial infarction do not show any symptoms, therefore, are caught unaware. However, to some, the onsets of the symptoms are usually gradual, in which chest pain has been seen as one of the most common associated symptom.

Causes and Effects of Myocardial Infarction

Research shows that myocardial infarction is often caused by psychological stress and intense exertion, for instance exercise. Additionally, persons suffering from pneumonia are at higher risk of getting an MI. In addition to that, smoking, job dissatisfaction and stress has also been cited as causes of heart attack. Furthermore, persons having diabetes mellitus and those suffering from high blood pressure have high risk rates of myocardial infarction.

Myocardial infarction is recognized as one of the most expensive ailment, causing disability and mortality. For instance in Australia, it caused 45.6% deaths in 2006. Various studies have examined the indirect as well as direct costs that are associated with myocardial infarction, alleging that it is expensive to maintain because of the numerous associated surgeries and hospital admissions. For instance, in the US, the total costs of treating patients for a period of 23 months were approximately $39,707 in 1997.

Treatment and Prevention

Immediately myocardial infarction is diagnosed, patients are given aspirin, which helps in reducing the stickiness of the platelets. Other medicines given are ticagrelor and morphine, which helps in easing the pain. In a study conducted among thirty myocardial infarction patients admitted at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, it was established that reduction in the rate of stress and depression helped in improving the patients’ general health as well as their social and physical functioning. Therefore, community rehabilitation to persons with psychological disorders and enhancing community empowerment strategies are paramount in preventing myocardial infarction. Other prevention measures include lifestyle changes such as, having regular exercises and reducing the rate of smoking and alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

It is undoubtedly that myocardial infarction has numerous negative effects. It affects one’s financial status, causes disability, and at times leads to death. In that case, there is a need for the community to be educated on ways to prevent it, ensuring they lead a healthy lifestyle.