MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

PRECIPITATING FACTORS:
o Hypertension PREDISPOSING FACTORS:
o Age (73 years old)
o Cigarette Smoking (40 years ago; consumes 2 packs
per day) o Men

o Physical Inactivity
o Heavy Alcohol Drinking (40 years ago)
o Excessive intake of saturated fats, carbohydrates, or salt.

Damage of endothelium in the tunica intima

Development of plaque

Change in the Condition of Plaque in the Coronary Artery due

to mechanical forces of the blood flow

Hard cap part of the plaque ripped off results in Activation of

Platelets

Platelet Aggregation, Adhesion, & Buildup of Platelet Mass

THROMBOSIS

Occlusion of thrombus in the Coronary Artery

Decreased blood flow in the left lower portion of the heart

Ischemia of Tissue in Region Supplied by the Coronary Artery

MYOCARDIAL CELL DEATH (NECROSIS)

Release of Lysosomal Anaerobic Altered Decreased Myocardial Release of troponin
Enzymes Metabolism of Repolarization of the Irritability in the blood
Glucose Myocardium

Dysrhythmia Elevated serum

Lactic Acid Production Altered Repolarization of the Myocardium
troponin level

Chest Pain Decreased Contractility

Decreased Ventricular Function

Inability of the left ventricle to pump blood efficiently

Accumulation of blood in the left ventricle

Decreased Cardiac
Left ventricular
Output
Bicuspid valve dysfunction hypertrophy
Back flow of blood to the left atrium
Vasoconstriction
To the G.I Tract Tissue Hypoxia
Dilated left atrium To the Brain

Increased Pulmonary Capillary and Increased blood Nausea and Vomiting Body Weakness/Fatigue
Venous Pressure
pressure Altered level of
consciousness
Fluid pushed through the capillary
walls into the air sacs

Pulmonary Congestion

ALTERED BREATHING PATTERN

Crackles, White Frothy Sputum,
Dyspnea