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Acute myocardial infarction (AMI or MI), more commonly known as a heart
attack, is a medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to a
part of the heart is interrupted. The resulting ischemia or oxygen
shortage causes damage and potential death of heart tissue. It is a
medical emergency, and the leading cause of death for both men and women
all over the world.[1] Important risk factors are a previous history of
vascular disease such as atherosclerotic coronary heart disease and/or
angina, a previous heart attack or stroke, any previous episodes of
abnormal heart rhythms or syncope, older age—especially men over 40 and
women over 50, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, the abuse of
certain illicit drugs, high triglyceride levels, high LDL ("Low-density
lipoprotein") and low HDL ("High density lipoprotein"), diabetes, high
blood pressure, obesity, and chronically high levels of stress in
certain persons.
The term myocardial infarction is derived from myocardium (the heart
muscle) and infarction (tissue death due to oxygen starvation). The
phrase "heart attack" is sometimes used incorrectly to describe sudden
cardiac death, which may or may not be the result of acute myocardial
infarction.
Classical symptoms of acute myocardial infarction include chest pain
(typically radiating to the left arm), shortness of breath, nausea,
vomiting, palpitations, sweating, and anxiety or a feeling of impending
doom. Patients frequently feel suddenly ill. Women often experience
different symptoms from men. The most common symptoms of MI in women
include shortness of breath, weakness, and fatigue. Approximately one
third of all myocardial infarctions are silent, without chest pain or
other symptoms.
Immediate treatment for suspected acute myocardial infarction includes
oxygen, aspirin, glyceryl trinitrate and pain relief, usually morphine
sulfate. The patient will receive a number of diagnostic tests, such as
an electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG), a chest X-ray and blood tests to detect
elevated creatine kinase or troponin levels (these are chemical markers
released by damaged tissues, especially the myocardium). Further
treatment may include either medications to break down blood clots that
block the blood flow to the heart, or mechanically restoring the flow by
dilatation or bypass surgery of the blocked coronary artery. Coronary
care unit admission allows rapid and safe treatment of complications
such as abnormal heart rhythms.
中文版:
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认识心脏
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心肌梗死
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冠心病
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