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Myocardial infarction is one of the most dangerous cardiovascular diseases, increasingly common not only in developed countries but also in Vietnam. Thanks to medical advances, the mortality rate has decreased, but post-infarction complications remain a serious concern. To better understand the causes, warning signs, and prevention strategies, refer to the following in-depth article from H PLUS International Medical Center.
1. Overview of Myocardial Infarction
The heart plays a vital role in pumping oxygen-rich blood to organs throughout the body. This function is maintained by two main arteries: the left and right coronary arteries.
Myocardial infarction (heart attack) occurs when one or both coronary arteries become suddenly blocked, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen and nutrients, leading to tissue necrosis. When a portion of the myocardium is damaged, the heart’s pumping capacity decreases significantly, potentially resulting in heart failure, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death.
Statistics show that approximately 80% of men survive one year after a heart attack. However, the survival rate drops to 61.6% after five years and to 46.2% after ten years. Notably, the early mortality rate in women is 45% higher than in men.
Even after surviving a heart attack, the recurrence risk remains high. Studies indicate that 13% of men and up to 40% of women experience a second heart attack within five years, with a higher likelihood of developing heart failure compared to those without prior heart disease.
Survival outcomes depend on early recognition, emergency intervention, treatment effectiveness, and quality of post-infarction care.
2. What Causes Myocardial Infarction?
The primary cause of myocardial infarction is atherosclerosis – the gradual buildup of plaque on arterial walls, narrowing the blood vessels and restricting blood flow. These plaques consist of cholesterol, calcium, and cellular debris and may take years or decades to form.
The process accelerates in individuals with risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle. Cholesterol accumulation not only narrows the arteries but also triggers inflammation, making the vessel walls more vulnerable.
Plaque rupture or erosion can lead to clot formation. If the clot completely blocks a coronary artery, it stops blood flow to the myocardium, causing tissue damage or necrosis and triggering a life-threatening heart attack.
3. Warning Signs of Myocardial Infarction
Symptoms vary depending on the severity and location of myocardial damage. The most typical sign is chest pain or pressure, described as a heavy, squeezing, or burning sensation behind the breastbone. This discomfort can last from 5 to 15 minutes and may radiate to the shoulder, neck, jaw, or arm. Associated symptoms include cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Pain relievers do not relieve this pain.
In some cases, myocardial infarction presents with atypical symptoms—such as bloating, diarrhea, loss of appetite, arrhythmia, or even loss of consciousness—leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
On clinical examination, physicians may detect:
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Hemodynamic instability: blood pressure may rise due to catecholamine release or fall in cases of heart failure; heart rate may be abnormally fast or slow.
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Jugular vein distension
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Pulmonary rales on auscultation
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Diminished heart sounds
Early detection of myocardial infarction is critical in reducing the risk of complications and death.
4. How to Prevent Myocardial Infarction?
Given its life-threatening nature, prevention plays a crucial role in protecting cardiovascular health. To reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and associated complications, consider the following strategies:
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Quit smoking: Smoking accelerates atherosclerosis and increases the risk of heart attacks.
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Adopt a healthy diet: Eat more vegetables and fruits; limit saturated fats and refined sugars.
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Exercise regularly: Engage in physical activity for at least 30 minutes/day, three times a week to improve circulation and manage weight.
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Manage stress: Maintain a balanced lifestyle and reduce long-term stress, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
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Maintain a healthy weight: Avoid obesity, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
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Control underlying conditions: Effectively manage hypertension, diabetes, and lipid disorders to prevent complications.
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Seek timely medical care: If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, visit a medical facility immediately.
Proactive prevention not only protects heart health but also enhances quality of life.
5. Advanced Cardiac Screening at H PLUS International Medical Center
H PLUS International Medical Center is proud to offer 5-star cardiac care services, supported by a team of leading specialists from Korea and a state-of-the-art medical system.
H PLUS is fully equipped with advanced technologies for the diagnosis and prevention of cardiovascular diseases, including:
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Electrocardiography (ECG)
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Comprehensive echocardiography (for fetuses, newborns, adults; 3D echo, transesophageal echo, and full-body vascular ultrasound)
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24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
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Modern CT systems, particularly cardiac CT for coronary artery, aorta, and peripheral vascular imaging to support precise and effective diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
H PLUS physicians continuously update their clinical practices based on the latest guidelines from major cardiology associations, including the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), American Heart Association (AHA), and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS). With professionalism and dedication, the H PLUS team provides accurate diagnosis and effective prevention of acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and other cardiac conditions.
For consultations and appointment bookings, please contact our hotline: +84 24-7306-9889.
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Phòng khám Đa khoa Quốc tế H PLUS – H PLUS International Medical Center (H PLUS Hanoi)
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