$Unique_ID{BRK01572}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Does "MI" Mean?}
$Subject{MI heart attack Circulatory System myocardial infarctions attacks
clogs clots spasms coronary chest pain pressure squeezing breath shortness jaw
neck arms arm nausea electrocardiogram ECG circulation infarction clog clot
spasm coronaries artery arteries}
$Volume{G-3}
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Arrhythmias:  Myocardial Ischemia*0001410.scf
Myocardial Infarction*0005400.tid
Anterolateral Myocardial Infarction*0005401.scf
Anteroseptal Myocardial Infarction*0005402.scf
Posteroinferior Myocardial Infarction*0005403.scf
Posteroseptal Myocardial Infarction*0005404.scf
Apical Myocardial Infarction*0005405.scf
Anterobasal Myocardial Infarction*0005406.scf
Posterolateral Myocardial Infarction*0005407.scf
Posterobasal Myocardial Infarction*0005408.scf
The Heart's Blood Supply*0008901.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Does "MI" Mean?


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QUESTION:  We know it has to do with heart attacks, but are confused by the
term "MI" that is constantly used by the doctor.  Could you help remove some
of our anxiety by explaining just what this term means?

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ANSWER:  MI is medical shorthand for "myocardial infarction", which in turn is
the proper name for a heart attack.  It has no secret or sinister meanings
other than it is any easy way to talk about heart attacks.  An "infarction"
means than an area of tissue has died because its blood supply has been cut
off and "myocardial" means the area that died was heart muscle.  MIs are
caused by clogs, clots or spasms in the coronary arteries that supply heart
muscle with blood.
     There are several warning signs that can tell you whether an MI is
imminent or occurring.  These include discomfort or pain in the chest
(especially a feeling of great pressure or squeezing), shortness of breath,
pain in the jaw, neck or arms, nausea, and a cold sweat.  Not everyone who has
a heart attack has all or even any of these symptoms, but most people have at
least some of them.  If your doctor thinks you may have an MI, he or she will
run tests, including an electrocardiogram (ECG) and certain blood tests.  The
results of these tests, along with the symptoms, should give the doctor enough
information to make a diagnosis.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.