A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, is a serious medical event where blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is suddenly reduced or stopped. This lack of blood supply causes damage to the heart tissue.
Understanding the Septum and Myocardial Infarction
The heart is a muscular organ divided into four chambers, with a muscular wall called the septum separating its left and right sides. This septum is composed of both atrial and ventricular parts. The ventricular septum, a thick structure, separates the left and right ventricles and contributes to the heart’s pumping function.
A septal myocardial infarction occurs when the blood supply to this specific septal wall is blocked, leading to tissue damage. This blockage results from a heart attack, where a coronary artery supplying the septum becomes occluded. The left anterior descending artery, a branch of the left coronary artery, supplies blood to the front of the septum, while the right coronary artery supplies the back.
Coronary artery disease, characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, is the most common underlying cause of a heart attack that can lead to a septal infarction. When this plaque ruptures, it can form a blood clot that blocks the artery, preventing blood flow to the heart muscle. This deprivation of oxygen causes heart cells in the affected septal region to die.
Recognizing the Signs
The symptoms associated with a septal myocardial infarction can vary. Common heart attack symptoms, which can also indicate a septal infarct, include chest pain or pressure. This discomfort might radiate to other areas such as the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
Additional symptoms can include shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness, and sweating. Fatigue, an irregular heartbeat, or a feeling of anxiety similar to a panic attack may also be present. Seeking prompt medical attention is important.
How it is Diagnosed
Diagnosing a septal myocardial infarction involves several methods to confirm heart muscle damage and identify its location. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) measures the heart’s electrical activity to detect abnormalities and signs of damage.
Blood tests check for cardiac enzymes, particularly troponin, which is released into the bloodstream when heart muscle cells are damaged. Troponin levels help determine the extent of the damage.
Imaging tests aid in diagnosis. An echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to create images of the heart, assesses the heart’s pumping function and identifies damaged tissue, including within the septum. Cardiac MRI can also reveal an ischemic lesion in the septum.
Treatment Approaches
Treatment for a septal myocardial infarction involves immediate interventions aimed at restoring blood flow to the affected heart muscle and minimizing damage. Medications are a primary component of initial treatment, including aspirin to reduce blood clotting and nitroglycerin to help widen blood vessels. Clot-dissolving drugs may also be administered to break down blockages in the arteries.
Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), commonly known as angioplasty with stent placement, is a minimally invasive procedure to open blocked coronary arteries. During this procedure, a catheter with a balloon is guided to the blocked artery and inflated to widen it, followed by the insertion of a small mesh tube called a stent to keep the artery open. This quickly restores blood flow to the heart.
In some cases, coronary artery bypass surgery may be considered. This involves using healthy blood vessels from other parts of the body to bypass the narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, rerouting blood flow to the heart muscle.
Recovery and Long-Term Considerations
Following acute treatment for a septal myocardial infarction, recovery involves a comprehensive approach to improve heart health and prevent future events. Cardiac rehabilitation is a program that helps individuals recover and regain strength. This supervised program includes exercise training, education on heart-healthy living, and emotional support.
Lifestyle changes play a significant role in long-term management. Adopting a healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help manage weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Regular physical activity is encouraged to strengthen the heart and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Quitting smoking and managing stress are additional modifications that contribute to a healthier heart. Ongoing medication management is important for controlling risk factors and supporting heart function. Regular follow-up appointments with a cardiologist are necessary to monitor heart health and adjust treatment plans.