“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
MI stands for myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. It occurs when there is a blockage in the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle with oxygen and nutrients, leading to damage or death of heart muscle cells. This can result in symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or vomiting, lightheadedness, and discomfort or pain in other areas of the upper body, such as the arms, neck, or jaw.
Immediate medical attention is necessary for a suspected heart attack, as timely treatment can help reduce the amount of damage to the heart muscle and improve outcomes. Treatment may involve medications to help dissolve or prevent blood clots, relieve pain and reduce the workload of the heart, as well as interventions such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the heart.
Risk factors for MI include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, a family history of heart disease, and sedentary lifestyle. Preventative measures include lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing underlying medical conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Regular checkups with a healthcare provider can also help identify and manage risk factors for heart disease.