Contact us
Precision Medicine
What is acute myocardial infarction?
24 September 2025
A lack of blood flow in a specific area of the heart is what constitutes an acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. This usually occurs due to a blockage in one of the coronary arteries.
It is estimated that, worldwide, this condition claims the lives of nearly 1.8 million people each year, making it one of the leading causes of death among adults over the age of 20 — including in Mexico.
Signs and symptoms Acute Myocardial Infarction
A very important factor in an acute myocardial infarction is its severity. It is a medical emergency, so it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if several of the following symptoms appear:
- Chest pain or pressure that may radiate to the arms. The pain is typically continuous and lasts more than 20 minutes.
- Nausea, vomiting, or a burning sensation in the stomach.
- Shortness of breath.
- Cold sweat.
- Fatigue.
- Dizziness.
- Anxiety.
- Restlessness and palpitations.
However, not all heart attacks present the same symptoms, and their intensity can also vary.
Causes of a Heart Attack
There are multiple causes that contribute to the development of an acute myocardial infarction. The most common include:
- Risk increases after age 45.
- High blood pressure damages the coronary arteries.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Obesity, which elevates cholesterol and triglycerides, and can lead to hypertension and diabetes.
- Smoking.
- Stress.
- Drug abuse.
Diagnosis Acute Myocardial Infarction
Timely diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction is critical to reduce mortality and improve patient outcomes. Since this condition can present with variable or even non-specific symptoms, several tests are used to confirm the ischemic event, assess its severity, and guide appropriate treatment.
- Echocardiogram and MRI: Used to examine the size, shape, and function of the heart.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests: Help identify a heart attack or damaged areas of the heart.
- Angiography: Analyzes blood flow in the heart.
- Stress test: Monitors heart function during physical activity.
Treatment Acute Myocardial Infarction
The best way to prevent a heart attack is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes achieving an optimal body weight, eating a balanced diet, minimizing alcohol and coffee intake, managing stress, staying physically active, and quitting smoking.
To reduce the risk of a recurrent heart attack and maintain proper heart function, it’s essential to take the medications prescribed by your cardiologist and attend follow-up checkups as recommended.
At the Acute Myocardial Infarction Unit at Centro Médico ABC, we provide specialized care through the implementation of the AMI Code, a heart attack treatment protocol designed to restore blood flow in less than 60 minutes. Contact us!
Fuentes:
How can we help you?
Ricardo Ostos
Content CreatorLearn more about Ricardo on LinkedIn
The dissemination of the content of this material is for informational purposes only and does not replace, under any circumstance or condition, a consultation with a specialist doctor, for which the ABC Medical Center is not responsible for the different use that may be given to it. If you require more information related to the subject, we suggest you contact the specialist doctor you trust directly.
Interest-free
months in:
Interest-free
months in:
Specialty Centers
Diagnostic Studies
Check-ups
Hospitalization1
Valid until December 31, 2025. Promotions not cumulative. Subject to restrictions 1. In hospitalization, medical fees are not included. 2. Minimum amount: $1,500 for 3 to 6 months and $3,000 for 7 to 9 months 3. Minimum amount $1,500. (Cards issued abroad are not eligible).