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Book

Acute Myocardial Infarction

Oren J. Mechanic  1 , Michael Gavin  2 , Shamai A. Grossman  3
In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan.
.
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Book

Acute Myocardial Infarction

Oren J. Mechanic et al.
Free Books & Documents

Excerpt

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the leading causes of death in the developed world. The prevalence of the disease approaches 3 million people worldwide, with more than 1 million deaths in the United States annually. AMI can be divided into 2 categories: non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Unstable angina resembles an NSTEMI, but normal cardiac markers distinguish it.

Myocardial infarction (MI) causes permanent damage to the heart muscle due to inadequate oxygen supply. MI can impair diastolic and systolic function, increasing the risk of arrhythmias. Additionally, an MI can lead to various serious complications. Prompt reperfusion and restoration of blood flow to the heart are crucial. Early treatment within 6 hours of symptom onset significantly improves prognosis.

An MI is diagnosed when 2 of the following criteria are met:

  1. Symptoms of ischemia

  2. New ST-segment changes or a left bundle branch block (LBBB)

  3. Presence of pathological Q waves on electrocardiogram (ECG)

  4. New regional wall motion abnormality on imaging study

  5. Presence of an intracoronary thrombus at autopsy or angiography

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: Oren Mechanic declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Michael Gavin declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

Disclosure: Shamai Grossman declares no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies.

References

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    1. Barberi C, van den Hondel KE. The use of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) in the postmortem diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death: A systematic review. Forensic Sci Int. 2018 Nov;292:27-38. - PubMed
    1. Alaour B, Liew F, Kaier TE. Cardiac Troponin - diagnostic problems and impact on cardiovascular disease. Ann Med. 2018 Dec;50(8):655-665. - PubMed
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    1. Scheen AJ. [From atherosclerosis to atherothrombosis : from a silent chronic pathology to an acute critical event]. Rev Med Liege. 2018 May;73(5-6):224-228. - PubMed

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