MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION
- Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart
attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart
muscle is blocked for an extended period, causing damage
or death to the heart muscle.
- This blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat,
cholesterol, and other substances, which form a plaque in
the coronary arteries. When a plaque ruptures, it can
form a blood clot that obstructs the flow of blood. Prompt
medical attention is crucial to restore blood flow and
minimize damage to the heart muscle.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
, 1. Atherosclerosis:
• Plaque Formation:
Over time, cholesterol and other substances accumulate
on the walls of coronary arteries, forming atherosclerotic
plaques.
• Plaque Rupture:
These plaques can become unstable and rupture, exposing
the underlying materials to the bloodstream.
2.Thrombus Formation:
• Platelet Activation:
When a plaque ruptures, platelets are activated and
aggregate at the site to form a blood clot (thrombus).
• Clot Formation:
The coagulation cascade is activated, leading to the
formation of a fibrin mesh that stabilizes the clot.
3. Coronary Artery Occlusion:
• Partial or Complete Blockage:
The thrombus can partially or completely occlude the
coronary artery, reducing or stopping blood flow to a
portion of the heart muscle (myocardium).
- Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart
attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart
muscle is blocked for an extended period, causing damage
or death to the heart muscle.
- This blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat,
cholesterol, and other substances, which form a plaque in
the coronary arteries. When a plaque ruptures, it can
form a blood clot that obstructs the flow of blood. Prompt
medical attention is crucial to restore blood flow and
minimize damage to the heart muscle.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
, 1. Atherosclerosis:
• Plaque Formation:
Over time, cholesterol and other substances accumulate
on the walls of coronary arteries, forming atherosclerotic
plaques.
• Plaque Rupture:
These plaques can become unstable and rupture, exposing
the underlying materials to the bloodstream.
2.Thrombus Formation:
• Platelet Activation:
When a plaque ruptures, platelets are activated and
aggregate at the site to form a blood clot (thrombus).
• Clot Formation:
The coagulation cascade is activated, leading to the
formation of a fibrin mesh that stabilizes the clot.
3. Coronary Artery Occlusion:
• Partial or Complete Blockage:
The thrombus can partially or completely occlude the
coronary artery, reducing or stopping blood flow to a
portion of the heart muscle (myocardium).
