Myocardial infarction (MI) or acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the death of heart muscle from the sudden blockage

of a coronary artery by a blood clot. Myocardial infarction most commonly due to occlusion (blockage) of a coronary artery following the rupture of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, which is an unstable collection of lipids (cholesterol and fatty acids) and white blood cells (especially macrophages) in the wall of an artery. The resulting ischemia (restriction in blood supply) and ensuing oxygen shortage, if left untreated for a sufficient period of time, can cause damage or death (infarction) of heart muscle tissue (myocardium).

Chest pain or pressure is the most common symptom of a heart attack, Myocardial infarction (MI) or heart attack victims may experience a variety of symptoms including:

Pain, fullness, and/or squeezing sensation of the chest Jaw pain, toothache, headache Shortness of breath Nausea, vomiting, and/or general epigastric (upper middle abdomen) discomfort Sweating Heartburn and/or indigestion Arm pain (more commonly the left arm, but may be either arm) Upper back pain General malaise (vague feeling of illness) No symptoms (Approximately one quarter of all heart attacks are silent, without chest pain or new symptoms. Silent heart attacks are especially common among patients with diabetes mellitus.) An MI requires immediate medical attention. Treatment attempts to salvage as much myocardium as possible and to prevent further complications, hence the phrase "time is muscle". Oxygen, aspirin, and nitroglycerin may be administered. Morphine was classically used if nitroglycerin was not effective; however, it may increase mortality in the setting of NSTEMI. A 2009 and 2010 review of high flow oxygen in myocardial infarction found increased mortality and infarct size, calling into question the recommendation about its routine use. Other analgesics such as nitrous oxide are of unknown benefit. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or fibrinolysis are recommended in those with an STEMI. (wikipedia)

Nursing Care Plan for Myocardial Infarction 12 Nursing Diagnosis for Myocardial Infarction 1. Decreased Cardiac Output related to: changes in the frequency of heart rhythm. 2. Impaired Tissue Perfusion related to: decrease in cardiac output.

3. Ineffective Airway Clearance related to: accumulation of secretions. 4. Ineffective Breathing Pattern related to: lung development is not optimal. 5. Impaired Gas Exchange related to: pulmonary edema. 6. Acute Pain relate to: increase in lactic acid. 7. Fluid Volume Excess related to: retention of sodium and water. 8. Imbalanced Nutrition, Less Than Body Requirements related to: Inadequate intake. 9. Activity Intolerance relate to: imbalance between myocardial oxygen supply and needs. 10. Self-Care Deficit related to: physical weakness. 11. Anxiety related to: ncaman death. 12. Knowledge Deficit related to: lack of information.