Myocardial Infarction (MI) Overview | Med-Surg | Nursing School | Pathology | Signs & Symptoms

Summary

In this video, Christine from Nurse in the Making provides an in-depth overview of myocardial infarctions (MIs), also known as heart attacks. She explains the pathophysiology of an MI, the causes, risk factors, and how it affects the heart muscle due to a lack of oxygen. The video covers the signs and symptoms, diagnostic methods including ECGs and troponin levels, and the two types of MIs: STEMI and NSTEMI. Treatment options such as medications, thrombolytics, and surgical interventions like angioplasty and bypass surgery are discussed. Prevention strategies and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of MI are also emphasized.

Takeaways

• 😀 Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when the heart muscle dies due to lack of oxygen and blood.
• 😀 The term 'myocardial infarction' is broken down into 'myo' (muscle), 'cardio' (heart), and 'infarction' (tissue death due to oxygen deprivation).
• 😀 The primary cause of MI is the blockage of coronary arteries, often due to plaque buildup, which can cause a total or partial blockage of blood flow to the heart.
• 😀 Plaque buildup in the arteries is made up of cholesterol and cells, which can narrow arteries and either block or rupture, leading to an MI.
• 😀 Risk factors for MI include a history of coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, family history of heart disease, stress, and smoking.
• 😀 Common symptoms of MI include crushing chest pain (often described as an elephant sitting on the chest), left arm pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and vomiting.
• 😀 Women may present with different or less obvious symptoms, such as fatigue, shoulder discomfort, or heartburn, which are often overlooked.
• 😀 MI can be diagnosed through an EKG, with two main types: STEMI (ST elevation MI, indicating total artery occlusion) and NSTEMI (non-ST elevation MI, indicating partial occlusion).
• 😀 Troponin levels are a key diagnostic marker, as elevated levels indicate heart muscle damage due to MI.
• 😀 Immediate treatment for MI includes the 'MONA' mnemonic: Morphine (pain relief), Oxygen (increase oxygen supply to the heart), Nitroglycerin (vasodilation), and Aspirin (prevents blood clotting).

Q & A

What does 'myocardial infarction' (MI) mean?

Myocardial infarction (MI) refers to a heart attack, where the heart muscle dies due to a lack of oxygen and blood supply.

What does the term 'myo' and 'cardio' refer to in the context of myocardial infarction?

'Myo' refers to muscle, and 'cardio' refers to the heart. Together, they describe the heart muscle that is damaged or dying during an MI.

What causes the heart muscle to die in a myocardial infarction?

The heart muscle dies when the coronary arteries become blocked, preventing oxygen and blood from reaching the heart tissue.

How does plaque buildup in the arteries lead to a heart attack?

Plaque, which is made up of cholesterol and cells, can narrow the arteries or rupture, causing a blockage that prevents blood from flowing to the heart, leading to a heart attack.

What are some common risk factors for a myocardial infarction?

Risk factors include a history of coronary artery disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, stress, and a family history of heart disease.

What are some typical signs and symptoms of a myocardial infarction?

Common symptoms include crushing chest pain, left arm pain, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and pale skin. Women may experience atypical symptoms like fatigue, shoulder discomfort, or heartburn.

What is the difference between STEMI and NSTEMI?

STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) occurs with a complete blockage of a coronary artery, showing ST elevation on an EKG. NSTEMI (Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction) is caused by partial blockage, and there is no ST elevation.

What role does troponin play in diagnosing a myocardial infarction?

Troponin is a protein released into the bloodstream when heart muscle is injured. Elevated troponin levels are a key indicator of myocardial injury and help diagnose an MI.

What is the treatment mnemonic 'MONA' and what does each letter represent?

'MONA' stands for Morphine (for pain relief), Oxygen (to increase oxygen supply), Nitroglycerin (to open blood vessels), and Aspirin (to prevent blood clotting).

What are some procedures used to treat a myocardial infarction?

Treatment options include thrombolytics (clot busters), cardiac catheterization with angioplasty, stent placement, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).