Myocardial infarction (MI)
Myocardial infarction (MI), often known as heart attack, usually takes when there is a sudden blockage of the flow of blood to the heart. Mostly, the blockage is a result of the building up of fats, cholesterol, and other substances, which form a plaque in those arteries that feed the heart. Eventually, the plaque breaks away, leaving a blood clot that blocks the artery. The interrupted flow of blood to the heart can damage the heart muscle since there is no oxygen entering or leaving the heart.
Causes
A heart attack is commonly caused by Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).
However, if the infected person seeks medical attention quickly, he or she might prevent damage to the heart muscle. That is why it is necessary to know the disease’s common symptoms, which are listed below.
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness also called slight dizziness
- Cold sweat
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Having pain in the upper body parts such as the arms, shoulders, the back, and the neck.
- Nausea, vomiting or heartburn
The disease’s chief risk factors are:
- High blood pressure levels
- Older age
- Elevated cholesterol levels in the blood
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Stress
- Use of illicit drugs
- Lack of physical activity
Pulmonary embolism (PE)
Pulmonary embolism (PE) is an unanticipated blockage of one of the pulmonary arteries of a person’s lungs. In most cases, it takes when a blood clot breaks away from the deep veins in the legs then travels to the lungs. In rare cases, the blood clot can break away from the veins in other body parts. Pulmonary embolism can cause low oxygen levels in a person’s blood, damage to other body organs as they are not getting enough oxygen, and permanent damage to the lungs.
Causes
The cause is usually a deep vein thrombosis, which a blood clot that breaks away from the legs and travels to the lungs via the blood.
Since the clot blocks the flow of blood to the lungs, the condition is life-threatening. However, if prompt treatment is carried out, the risk of death can be significantly reduced.
Symptoms
- Coughing blood
- Chest discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Excessive sweating
- Swelling of the legs
- Rapid heartbeat
- Discolored skin
- Dizziness
The chief risk factors of the disease are:
- Medical conditions, such as cancers, Lung, and heart diseases.
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Older age
Hormone-based medicines
- Obesity
- Having surgery particularly the joint replacement surgery
- Prolonged immobility due to bed rest or long trips