Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI): Understanding Heart Attacks

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow decreases or stops to a part of the heart, causing damage to the heart muscle. The most common cause of AMI is a blood clot that blocks one of the coronary arteries.

Symptoms of AMI can include:

- Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than a few minutes, or comes and goes

- Shortness of breath

- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the neck, back, or jaw

- Nausea, vomiting, or lightheadedness

- A cold sweat

Risk factors for AMI include:

- Age (55+ for men, 65+ for women)

- High blood pressure

- High cholesterol

- Diabetes

- Smoking

- Obesity

- Family history of heart disease

Treatment for AMI typically includes:

- Medications to dissolve the blood clot and prevent further clotting

- Oxygen therapy

- Nitroglycerin to improve blood flow

- Morphine to relieve pain

- Surgery (angioplasty or bypass surgery) to improve blood flow to the heart

Prevention of AMI includes:

- Managing risk factors (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity)

- Eating a heart-healthy diet

- Getting regular exercise

- Quitting smoking

- Managing stress

NOTE: If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of AMI, call 911 immediately.