Diseases
myocardial infarction
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. The fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits are called plaques. The process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis.
Symptoms
- fatigue
- chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching
- pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth
- cold sweat
- heartburn or indigestion
Causes
- coronary artery disease causes most heart attacks. in coronary artery disease, one or more of the heart (coronary) arteries are blocked. this is usually due to cholesterol-containing deposits called plaques.
Risk factors
- tobacco use.
- age. men age 45 and older and women age 55 and older
- high blood pressure, and high cholesterol or triglycerides.
Diagnosis
- blood tests
- chest x-ray.
- electrocardiogram (ecg or ekg).
- coronary catheterization (angiogram).
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is myocardial infarction?
A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. The fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits are called plaques. The process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis.
What are the symptoms of myocardial infarction?
fatigue, chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching, pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, cold sweat, heartburn or indigestion
What causes myocardial infarction?
coronary artery disease causes most heart attacks. in coronary artery disease, one or more of the heart (coronary) arteries are blocked. this is usually due to cholesterol-containing deposits called plaques.
Which medicines are used for myocardial infarction?
alteplase, atenolol, captopril, carvedilol, clopidogrel, dalteparin, lisinopril, metoprolol, propranolol, ramipril, streptokinase, ticagrelor, valsartan, warfarin
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.