Treatment Principles for Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, requires prompt and effective treatment to restore blood flow to the heart and prevent further complications. The primary goals of treatment are to reduce damage to the heart muscle, relieve symptoms, and prevent future cardiac events. Below are the key principles guiding myocardial infarction management:

Immediate Medical Care and Monitoring

Upon diagnosis, patients are typically advised to rest completely in bed for at least one week. A calm and quiet environment is essential to reduce stress on the heart. Doctors often recommend a light, healthy diet and intermittent oxygen therapy to support heart function. Continuous monitoring of heart rhythm, blood pressure, and respiratory rate is crucial, usually for 3–5 days, though longer observation may be necessary if complications arise.

Pain Management and Medication Therapy

Severe chest pain is a common symptom of heart attack, and pain relief is a priority. Appropriate medications such as analgesics and sedatives are administered to ease discomfort. Additionally, several drug therapies are employed to stabilize the patient's condition, including:

Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Therapy

Anticoagulants help prevent the formation of new blood clots, while antiplatelet drugs like aspirin reduce the risk of clotting and help maintain smooth blood flow. These medications are vital in preventing further blockages in the coronary arteries.

Anti-Ischemic Treatment

To improve blood supply to the affected heart muscle, vasodilators and other anti-ischemic agents are used. These drugs work by widening narrowed blood vessels and enhancing oxygen delivery to the heart tissue.

Management of Arrhythmias and Shock

Heart attacks can lead to irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) or even cardiogenic shock. In such cases, immediate treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs or hemodynamic support is essential to stabilize the patient's condition.

Lipid-Lowering Therapies

Cholesterol-lowering medications, particularly statins, play a crucial role in reducing plaque buildup in the arteries and lowering the risk of future cardiovascular events. These drugs are typically started early and continued long-term.

Revascularization Procedures

To restore blood flow to the heart, reperfusion therapy is often necessary. This can include emergency interventions such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), thrombolytic therapy (clot-busting drugs), or urgent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in more complex cases. Timely revascularization significantly improves patient outcomes and reduces mortality risk.