Browsemedic - Online HealthCare Information

Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial Infarction

Myocardial Infarction (MI) is also referred to as a heart attack or coronary thrombosis. It is a condition where a part of the heart muscle suddenly loses blood supply. Typically, a heart attack occurs due to a thrombosis (blood clot) formed within a coronary artery. This obstructs normal blood flow to some part of the heart. If left untreated, myocardial infarction can cause damage to the heart. Besides a severe myocardial infarction can be fatal. There is shortness of breath and profuse sweating. It is essential to seek immediate medical help if you feel that you are suffering a myocardial infarction. Sudden overwhelming stress or laborious exertion or physical activity might bring on a myocardial infarction.

A heart attack is felt as a sudden and severe chest pain that may also travel up and down both arms. The pain felt during myocardial infarction lasts longer than that felt during an angina. In rare cases, a person does not feel any noticeable symptoms and is even unaware that he has suffered a heart attack. Smoking, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity puts a person at increased risk of heart attacks. Heart attacks are more noticed in older men and women, though there is an increasing trend for younger persons to suffer heart disease too. Female sex hormones protect women from heart disease till menopause. Heart ailments and coronary heart disease is sometimes genetic.

An ECG (electrocardiograph) can help trace your heart activity and whether you have suffered a heart attack. A Doppler ultrasound helps examine the heart valves, muscles and blood flow. A coronary angiogram is a special x-ray procedure that tests the severity of the blood vessel block with the help of a dye. The presence of certain enzymes like Troponin-I and Creatinine Kinase (CK) are indicative of a heart attack.

Hospital treatment is esential for a person suffering from a MI. The nature of the treatment hinges on the extent of damage of the heart muscle as well as the blockage of the blood vessels. Medication for dissolving the blood clot is administered. The patient is given drugs to reduce the pain and breathe easier. Beta-blocker drugs may be given to reduce the chances of another heart attacks. ACE Inhibitors may be prescribed to prevent heart failure. Balloon angioplasty may be recommended to improve blood flow to the heart.

Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease is a chronic condition that is often not detected early. Persons suffering from high blood pressure or diabetes or heart disease are susceptible to develop chronic kidney disease. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney failure. Glomerulonephritis or kidney stones or enlarged prostate can lead to kidney disease. Repeated episodes of UTI can lead to kidney disease. Congenital kidney disease occurs due to any malformation of the urinary tract.

A person suffering from chronic kidney disease is likely to feel fatigue and have trouble concentrating. There is puffiness around the eyes, feet and ankles. There might be muscle cramping at night. Kidney disease can lead to anemia and deficiency of Vitamin D. Kidney disease may bring about constant itching in the patient. It can lead to depression and sexual dysfunction.

Blood tests for urine and serum creatinine indicate any possible kidney disease. A patient suffering from kidney disease must make changes in the diet that include reduction of salt as well as reduced intake of potassium and protein. Patients suffering chronic kidney disease may need Vitamin D supplements. Antihistamines can help control itching associated with this disease. Dialysis is the treatment for patients suffering from kidney disease.

SPECT

SPECT or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography is a diagnostic tool that that uses gamma camera to collect gamma rays that are emitted from the patient. Radioactive isotope is adminstered to the patient either as injection or inhalation or ingested liquid. SPECT imaging helps acquire multiple images from multiple angles. The gamma camera is rotated around the patient. Dual-headed cameras can help in accelerating the test. Often triple-headed cameras are also used. SPECT is particularly useful in imaging of tumors, bones, thyroid and infections. Cardial imaging and brain imaging provide critical information about localized functions. MPI (Myocardial perfusion imaging) is an important cardiac stress test. SPECT images allow diagnosis of ischemic heart disease. This test is comparable to stress echocardiography. SPECT imaging of the brain aids in distinguishing Alzheimer's disease from other vascular dementias. Nearly 30 or more images are taken of the specific body area that is being viewed. SPECT scanning is time consuming.