There are some terms related to heart diseases. Myocardial Ischemia and Myocardial Infarction are two such. Although they are not two separate conditions, they do differ in their level. They are fatal to the heart and are deadly if not treated or taken care of. It is the condition where the coronary arteries get blocked due to blood clotting or several other possible reasons. Hence there is an insufficient blood supply due to which emergencies may arise. It might further cause heart failure or heart attack, which is the ultimate stage.
Let us understand these two terms to know the conditions individually. It is vital to know the preventive measures and be safe.
Myocardial Ischemia vs Myocardial Infarction
The main difference between myocardial ischemia and myocardial infarction is that myocardial ischemia occurs when there is reduced blood flow to your heart, preventing the heart muscle from receiving enough oxygen and myocardial infarction is the end result of acute or chronic myocardial ischemia.
Myocardial Ischemia weakens the strength of the blood to pump enough blood. It is an alarming condition and needs immediate attention. The arteries of the heart suffer a partial or complete blockage. It might lead to some abnormal heart rhythms. This condition may develop slowly over time or can occur fast if there is a sudden artery blockage.
Myocardial Infarction is the ultimate stage of Myocardial Ischemia. Repeated episodes of Myocardial Ischemia might lead to a heart attack. A lot of patients after a certain age, can not deal with such situations. Treatments for such conditions include angioplasty or bypass surgery. It can cause some irreparable damage to the heart muscles and make them very weak.
Comparison Table Difference Between Myocardial Ischemia and Myocardial Infarction
| Parameters of Differences | Myocardial Ischemia | Myocardial Infarction |
| Condition | Myocardial Ischemia takes place when a build-up of plaques results in partial or complete blockage of the coronary arteries. | Myocardial Infarction takes place when the plaque eventually ruptures and leads to even dangerous conditions, such as heart attack. |
| Situation | It is the narrowing of heart arteries or deposition of fat on the walls. | It is the complete blockage of the heart giving rise to a sudden emergency. |
| Symptoms | Symptoms include decreased tolerance of the body, chest pain, problem in breathing. | Symptoms include sudden chest pain, cold temperature, sweating, or vomiting. |
| Diagnosis | It is treated with properly prescribed anti-angina drugs. | Treatment includes some serious surgeries like bypass or angioplasty. |
| Cardiac attack | All cardiac attacks are not heart attacks. | All heart attacks are cardiac attacks and the conditions are critical. In many cases, it causes death. |
What is Myocardial Ischemia?
Myocardial Ischemia is a condition that occurs when there is a reduced amount of blood flowing to our hearts. It, in turn, prevents the muscles in our hearts from receiving sufficient oxygen supply. This condition occurs when there is a partial or even complete blockage in the coronary arteries.
It is also known as Cardiac Ischemia since it is related to the heart. Several reasons can cause Myocardial Ischemia. The most common is a coronary disease known as atherosclerosis. Temporary tightening of the artery muscles for a short period might also lead to decreased blood flow.
In the early stages, it can cause arrhythmia. It is a life-threatening condition where an abnormal heart rhythm is diagnosed. Blockage of the coronary artery can cause some severe damage to the heart which is fatal. It can cause a heart attack which damages the heart to a great level.
It is essential to stay safe from the risk factors. Tobacco damages the walls of arteries, which further causes spasms. It increases the tendency of a blood clot which leads to the blocking of arteries. Diabetic patients are also very prone to heart disease. Hence it is necessary to adopt and continue a healthy lifestyle.
What is Myocardial Infarction?
Myocardial Infarction is the last stage of Myocardial Ischemia. The condition leads to a heart attack. It damages the heart muscles in the worst possible way. It becomes a severe condition in the case of aged people. They are not resistant or immune enough to handle such conditions. This can eventually lead to death.
It is more common in old people with diabetes, as well as women. The immediate symptoms experienced include chest pain, a rapid heartbeat, pain in the left side of the body, sweating, or suffocation. These are some of the alarming emergencies when the patients need immediate medical help.
It is diagnosed in the emergency department since is an emergency condition. The persons experience some acute and painful symptoms which need immediate relief. In fact increases the palpitation, sweating, and anxiety with causing more harm to the patient.
An EKG is performed to check the characteristics of heart problems. It is checked if it matches with Myocardial Infarction. Based on that further treatments are decided.
Main Differences Between Myocardial Ischemia and Myocardial Infarction
- The most distinct difference is that Myocardial Infarction is the buildup of plaques that results in partial or complete blockage of the coronary arteries. Myocardial infarction is when the plaque eventually ruptures and leads to even dangerous conditions, such as heart attack. It is a much serious condition
- Myocardial Ischemia might develop over a long duration of time with continuous chest pain whereas Myocardial Infarction is an emergency condition with acute chest pain. It is diagnosed in the emergency department.
- All heart attacks are cardiac arrests but all cardiac arrests are not heart attacks. That means any form of cardiac arrest does not imply that a person has reached the Myocardial Infarction stage.
- Myocardial Ischemia is possible to be treated with properly prescribed anti-angina drugs. Treatment for Myocardial Infarction includes some serious surgeries like bypass or angioplasty.
- Next are symptoms. Symptoms for Myocardial Ischemia include decreased tolerance of the body, chest pain, problems in breathing. Symptoms for Myocardial Infarction include sudden chest pain, cold temperature, sweating, or vomiting.
Conclusion
A chest pain that does not go away is a common symptom. A person needs emergency help in such a situation and it should never be neglected. A body attaining a gradual cold temperature is also alarming. many patients experience this particular symptom before a heart attack. In case immediate medical support is not provided, severe irreparable damages may take place.
It is essential for everyone to maintain a balanced, healthy, and safe lifestyle. Regular aerobic activity is important for a healthy heart. Physical inactivity is linked to unhealthy conditions such as obesity and cholesterol which are further linked to heart problems. A healthy heart means strong, elastic, and healthy arteries. It allows the maximum amount of blood to flow without any difficulties.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002914909007231
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002914998006377