Ischemic infarction: causes, symptoms and treatment
Ischemic infarction, also known as coronary artery disease or simply heart attack, is a serious disease that occurs as a result of a disruption in the blood supply to the heart muscle. It is one of the most common causes of death worldwide and requires immediate medical attention.
An ischemic heart attack occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients become blocked or narrowed. Usually the cause of this blockage is the formation of atherosclerotic plaque, consisting of cholesterol and other substances, on the inner wall of the artery. If the blockage becomes complete, the heart muscle no longer receives enough blood, leading to necrosis (death) of that area of the heart.
The main symptoms of an ischemic heart attack include:
- Chest pain: There may be a feeling of pressure, tightness, burning or sharp pain in the heart area. This pain may spread to the left arm, neck, jaw or back.
- Shortness of breath: a feeling of shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Weakness and fatigue: A general feeling of weakness or tiredness even with little physical activity.
- Dizziness and loss of consciousness: possible with severe chest pain or heart attack.
If such symptoms occur, you should immediately seek medical help. Diagnosis of ischemic heart attack includes an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests for biomarkers of heart damage (such as troponins), and sometimes imaging tests such as coronary angiography or stress testing.
Treatment of ischemic infarction includes several aspects. One of the main goals is to quickly restore blood supply to the heart muscle. For this purpose, drug treatment can be carried out using anticoagulants, vasodilators, and antiplatelet agents. In some cases, coronary artery bypass surgery or angioplasty with stenting may be necessary to restore normal blood flow.
An important aspect of treatment is also changing the patient's lifestyle. This includes quitting smoking, eating healthy, being physically active, and controlling cholesterol and blood pressure.
Ischemic heart attack is a serious disease that requires immediate intervention and long-term care. After a heart attack, it is important to carry out rehabilitation measures to restore heart function and prevent recurrent incidents.
In conclusion, ischemic heart attack is a serious disease that occurs due to disruption of the blood supply to the heart. It requires immediate treatment and can have serious consequences. It is important to know the main symptoms of a heart attack and take steps to prevent it, including a healthy lifestyle and controlling risk factors.