Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood flow to a portion of the heart is suddenly blocked, causing damage or death to the heart muscle. This blockage is usually due to plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. The heart muscle, deprived of oxygen, becomes damaged, and this can be life-threatening without immediate medical intervention.
How does AMI occur?
Dr Manjinder Singh Sandhu, Principal Director, Cardiology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, says AMI typically results from rupturing a plaque deposit in the arteries. Plaque consists of fat, cholesterol, and other substances. When a plaque ruptures, a blood clot forms around it, which can completely block blood flow. In some cases, a spasm in a coronary artery may also lead to a heart attack, though this is less common.
Key symptoms
Chest pain or discomfort: This often feels like pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest and may radiate to the arms, shoulders, neck, or back.
Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, even when resting.
Nausea, sweating, or light-headedness: Some people may feel sick to their stomach, dizzy, or break into a cold sweat.
It’s important to know that not everyone has the same symptoms. Women, for instance, may experience more subtle signs like jaw pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath without the typical chest pain.
Also see: Ditch these 8 habits for healthy lungs, lower risk of asthma, lung cancer, tuberculosis, and more
Risk factors
High blood pressure: Chronic high blood pressure damages the artery walls and makes them more prone to plaque accumulation.
High cholesterol: The presence of high levels of LDL leads to the development of plaques that make the arteries narrow.
Smoking: Smoking severely affects the blood vessels and accelerates atherosclerosis, thereby leading to an increased risk and hazard ratio with AMI to a gigantic extent.
Diabetes: Patients suffering from diabetes are at higher risk as the blood vessels get damaged due to the excessive sugar content in the blood.
Family background: Heart disease can also be caused by genetic susceptibility, especially if there is a family history of close relatives being affected by the disease.
Prevention and lifestyle changes
The prevention of AMI begins with a heart-healthy lifestyle, says Dr Sandhu. The intake of a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats helps, but limiting added salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats is also essential. Regular exercise during leisure-time activities again, such as walking or cycling, helps to ensure normal weight, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels.
The doctor says that smoking should be stopped since it is the new risk factor, and the prevalence of heart disease has become prevalent. Stress should be handled well since chronic stress may cause hypertension, leading to heart disease. Persons with a history of heart disease at home or any predisposing condition such as hypertension or diabetes mellitus are advised to have regular check-ups with a medical doctor for early diagnosis and management.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
