Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Chest pain/pressure radiating to arm/jaw/back, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, sweating, lightheadedness, anxiety

Coronary artery blockage from atherosclerosis, plaque rupture, thrombosis; risk factors: smoking, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol

Emergency angioplasty/stenting, thrombolytics, aspirin, nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, cardiac rehabilitation

Monitor cardiac rhythm, vital signs, pain level; administer oxygen; cardiac monitoring; educate on lifestyle changes; cardiac rehab referral

Source: NHS Scotland. For educational purposes only.