ISCHEMIA VS. INFARCTION




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Scenario: In the image above, Joe who has a history
of diabetes mellitus , is getting ready for work, when
he suddenly develops severe chest pain.
,
He is treated and transported to the Emergency Room
by paramedics. Joe would later be diagnosed with a
Myocardial infarction.

What is a myocardial infarction?

A myocardial infarction is the layman's
term for a heart attack.It is caused by a 
lack of blood supply and oxygen to the
heart muscle. An EKG and other lab values
will confirm the diagnosis and its location.

See below for more details.




Ischemia vs. Infarction

When an area of the heart muscle is ischemic or infarcted,
that area is deprived of blood and oxygen. Infarction results
in the complete death of muscle. Ischemia on the other hand,
results from a shortage of blood and oxygen and there is a
 chance of recovery for the muscle.

Causes include :
- A blood clot obstructing a blood vessel
- Fatty deposits in a blood vessel.

To learn more about a myocardial infarction, please
click on the link : Cardiogenic shock



Joe had good outcomes!

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