DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Cardiac Disease

Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

HIGH SEVERITY

A medical emergency occurring when blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked, causing heart muscle damage. Usually caused by a blood clot forming in a coronary artery already narrowed by atherosclerosis. Time-critical condition requiring immediate treatment to minimize heart damage.

Global Affected

32.0M

Countries

84

Symptoms

Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, fullness)
Pain radiating to arm, jaw, neck, or back
Shortness of breath
Cold sweat
Nausea or vomiting
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Fatigue
Anxiety or sense of doom
Indigestion or heartburn-like symptoms

Treatment Options

Emergency PCI (angioplasty with stent)
Thrombolytic therapy (clot-busters)
Aspirin (antiplatelet)
Nitroglycerin (vasodilator)
Morphine (pain relief)
Beta-blockers
ACE inhibitors or ARBs
Statins
Anticoagulants (heparin)
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
Lifestyle modifications
Cardiac rehabilitation program

Risk Factors

1Age (men >45, women >55)
2Male gender
3Family history of heart disease
4Smoking
5High blood pressure
6High cholesterol
7Diabetes
8Obesity
9Sedentary lifestyle
10Unhealthy diet
11Stress
12Excessive alcohol
13Previous heart attack
14Chronic kidney disease

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1ECG (electrocardiogram)
  • 2Blood tests (troponin, CK-MB)
  • 3Echocardiogram
  • 4Coronary angiography
  • 5Cardiac CT or MRI
  • 6Chest X-ray
  • 7Stress testing (after stabilization)

Prognosis

Variable; early treatment significantly improves survival. Mortality 5-10% with modern care if treated promptly. Higher risk with delayed treatment, older age, or extensive damage. Most survivors can return to normal activities with cardiac rehabilitation. Risk of recurrent MI, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.

Prevention

  • Smoking cessation
  • Regular exercise (150 min/week)
  • Heart-healthy diet (Mediterranean/DASH)
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Control blood pressure
  • Manage cholesterol
  • Diabetes control
  • Limit alcohol
  • Stress management
  • Regular health screenings
  • Medication adherence for existing conditions

Research Status

Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is gold standard when available within 90 minutes. Fibrinolytic therapy if PCI delayed. Dual antiplatelet therapy (aspirin + P2Y12 inhibitor) standard. Statins, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors for secondary prevention. Cardiac rehabilitation improves outcomes significantly.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanChinaIndiaBrazilMexicoRussiaSwedenNorwayFinlandNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceDenmarkNew ZealandSouth KoreaTaiwanSingaporeHong KongMalaysiaThailandIndonesiaPhilippinesVietnamSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaUAEUkraineBelarusMDALBASerbiaMEMKXKArgentinaChileColombiaPeruVenezuelaEcuadorUYPYBOCRPAGuatemalaHNSVNIBZJMTTBBBSCubaDominican RepublicHaitiPR

Sources

  • https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack
  • https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/heart_attack.htm

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.