$Unique_ID{BRK02328}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Is the Difference Between Heart Attack and Myocardial Infarction (MI)?}
$Subject{circulatory system heart attack coronary hardened artery obstruction
myocardial infarction mi atherosclerosis blood clot anticoagulants pain left
arm shoulder jaw arteriosclerosis attacks infarctions}
$Volume{G-3}
$Log{
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
Atherosclerosis of Arteries*0009301.scf
Complications of Atherosclerosis*0009401.scf}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Is the Difference Between Heart Attack and Myocardial Infarction (MI)?


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QUESTION:  I am a bit confused about some terms used to explain heart trouble.
I can't distinguish the difference between "heart attack" and "MI".  Are they
the same thing?  Can you please explain what causes a heart attack?  Thank you
for your attention to this question.

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ANSWER:  Yes.  They are terms used to describe the same problem, and are often
used interchangeably.  The term "heart attack" is rather vague, and is often
misused and misunderstood.
     A myocardial infarction (MI) starts with an obstruction in an artery
which brings blood to the heart and results in the death of the some heart
muscle which can no longer receive nourishment and oxygen.  The obstruction
can be caused by fatty deposits in the walls of the blood vessels or injury to
the walls of a hardened artery that is followed by the formation of a blood
clot.  This clot, in turn, reduces or cuts off completely the blood flow to
heart muscle, which then becomes injured and dies.  The bigger the area that
is without blood flow, the more severe the damage is.  The longer the blood
flow is interrupted, the more damage that is caused.  For this reason, heart
attack victims who receive immediate medical attention have the best chance or
recovery.
     It's important that you know the symptoms of a heart attack and heed
their warning.  They may include pain or pressure in the center of the chest,
often like a belt is being tightened around the chest.  Pain in the left arm,
shoulder or jaw may also indicate a developing heart problem.  Sweating,
nausea, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath or rapid heart beats should
all be promptly reported to your doctor.  The best treatments now available
should be administered within the first half hour of the attack.  The
medications can dissolve a newly formed clot, and restore circulation to the
suffering heart muscles.

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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.