Myocardial Infarction

Question 1

What causes a myocardial infarction?

Answer 1

Blockage of a coronary artery, often due to plaque rupture and clot formation, leading to heart muscle death.

Question 2

What are common signs and symptoms of MI?

Answer 2

Chest pain or pressure that may radiate to arm, jaw, or back; shortness of breath; sweating; nausea; lightheadedness; and sense of impending doom.

Question 3

What special considerations are there for diabetics and elderly with MI?

Answer 3

They may experience ‘silent’ MIs without typical chest pain.

Question 4

What are key EMT treatments for MI?

Answer 4

Administer aspirin (160–325 mg, chewed), assist with nitroglycerin if prescribed and BP >100 systolic, give oxygen if hypoxic, prepare for cardiac arrest, and rapid transport with ALS.

Question 5

What is the aspirin dosage for suspected MI?

Answer 5

160–325 mg chewable aspirin (2–4 baby aspirin or one full-dose).

Question 6

What is the nitroglycerin dosage for chest pain?

Answer 6

0.4 mg sublingual tablet, if BP >100 systolic and no contraindications.