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Overview

Acute myocardial infarction is a leading cause of death worldwide, and is responsible for approximately 42% of all deaths from cardiovascular disease.1

Read more about the epidemiology here

Early and effective intervention is required in order to preserve as much of the cardiac function as possible, improve survival, and reduce the risk of later complications.

Read more about the pathophysiology here

Read more about the complications here

TIME IS MUSCLE

Myocardial reperfusion needs to be re-established before irreversible damage occurs. This can be achieved:

  • Pharmacologically (using a thrombolytic agent)
  • Mechanically (percutaneous coronary intervention)

 

Read more about treatment here

Boersma Video Interview Eric Boserma Start treatment in the golden hour

For expert comments on the importance of rapid reperfusion, see our video of Eric Boersma ‘Start treatment in the golden hour’.

Reference: 

  1. Mendis S, Puska P, Norrving B, editors. Global Atlas on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Control. World Health Organization, Geneva 2011.