Chest Pain in Myocardial Infarction

• If you are experiencing chest pain during a workout, it can be a sign of myocardial infarction. Please consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
• The risk for myocardial infarction increases at the age of 45 years in men and 55 years in women.

If you are experiencing tightness or pain in the chest and pain in the jaw and arms during a workout or activity, and the pain eases up with rest, it can be a sign of myocardial infarction. Don’t leave it untreated.

Myocardial infarction occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked by a buildup of fat or plaque in the arteries, through which blood flows continuously to the heart.

The patients show no symptoms in their normal resting state. However, during physical activity, the heart muscle needs the continuous supply of oxygen to function. When a coronary artery becomes suddenly blocked, stopping the flow of blood to the heart muscle, it can cause myocardial infarction.

Although people are becoming more health conscious in Thailand, many people have no time to take care of themselves due to their busy schedule, lack of exercise and consumption of unhealthy foods. People use things that make life easier or more comfortable. As a result, more people tend to develop diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. These are risk factors for developing myocardial infarction.

Besides, age is also a risk factor for developing myocardial infarction. The risk increases at the age of 45 years in men and 55 years in women. Please seek medical attention when you experience fatigue and chest pain.

• Medical history
• Electrocardiography (EKG)
• Chest X-ray
• Echocardiography
• Exercise stress test to monitor a person’s heartbeat to detect abnormal heart rhythm or myocardial infarction. This test is used to measure the patient’s performance as well.
• Computed tomography scan (CT scan) to view the arteries that bring blood to the heart.

• Medication
• Coronary angioplasty, balloon or stenting
• Coronary artery bypass surgery

Take care of your health. Get regular medical checkups. Exercise appropriately, according to your health condition. Get sufficient sleep. Eat healthy foods. Avoid alcohol, cigarettes or stimulants that affect the body. People with underlying medical conditions that are at risk of developing myocardial infarction should consult a doctor and receive treatment regularly. Most importantly, if you experience pain in the chest, in the jaw and arm during physical activity, please seek medical attention immediately because every second counts.