When the atherosclerosis reaches the stage when no blood can pass through the lumen of the blood vessels, the tissues usually supplied by that vessel will die. This area of dead tissue is called the INFARCT. When this process happens within the heart muscle it is called a MYOCARDIAL INFARCT. The layman’s term for this is called a “Heart Attack”
The signs and symptoms of both angina and an MI – myocardial infarct are very similar. The only difference under normal circumstances being that the pain of angina will be relieved by medication (except unstable angina).
Signs & Symptoms
Gripping Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Radiating pain down arms (usually left arm)
Pins and needles in hands and fingers
Nausea
Weakness
Sweating
Orthopnea
Feeling unwell
Yellowish – pale grey complexion
