Overview
Myocardial Infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, causing tissue damage. In Korea, heart disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Advances in early diagnosis, interventional cardiology, and emergency care have significantly improved survival rates. Major hospitals such as Seoul National University Hospital, Asan Medical Center, and Samsung Medical Center provide comprehensive cardiac care, including urgent reperfusion therapy and long-term management.
What is Myocardial Infarction?
Myocardial Infarction is the death of heart muscle tissue due to insufficient blood supply, usually caused by a blood clot in the coronary arteries. MI can affect any individual but is more common in adults over 40 and in those with risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Prompt treatment is critical to minimize heart damage and prevent complications.
Symptoms
- Chest pain or discomfort, often radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating (diaphoresis)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Causes
- Atherosclerosis: buildup of plaque in coronary arteries
- Blood clots that block coronary arteries
- Coronary artery spasm (sudden tightening of the arteries)
- Rarely, tear in the heart artery (spontaneous coronary artery dissection)
Risk Factors
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High cholesterol and triglycerides
- Smoking
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of heart disease
- Stress and excessive alcohol consumption
- Older age and male gender
Complications
- Heart failure due to damaged heart muscle
- Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
- Cardiogenic shock (in severe cases)
- Recurrent heart attacks
- Sudden cardiac arrest
- Stroke or peripheral vascular complications
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy diet low in saturated fats and salt
- Regular exercise to strengthen the heart
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
- Monitor and manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels
- Routine medical check-ups, especially for individuals with risk factors
- Stress management and healthy lifestyle habits
Treatment Options in Korea
Korea provides advanced care for myocardial infarction, focusing on rapid restoration of blood flow and long-term cardiac health.
- Diagnosis
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect heart rhythm changes
- Blood tests for cardiac enzymes (troponin, CK-MB)
- Coronary angiography to identify blocked arteries
- Echocardiography to assess heart function
- Medical Treatments
- Thrombolytic therapy to dissolve blood clots in selected cases
- Antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications to prevent further clots
- Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or statins to protect heart function
- Pain management and supportive care
- Interventional Treatments
- Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), including angioplasty and stent placement
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) for severe or multiple blockages
- Rehabilitation & Supportive Care
- Cardiac rehabilitation programs for physical recovery
- Dietary counseling and lifestyle modification
- Psychological support to manage stress and depression
- Specialized Hospitals in Korea
- Seoul National University Hospital – Advanced cardiology and emergency care
- Asan Medical Center – 24/7 interventional cardiology and CABG surgeries
- Samsung Medical Center – Comprehensive cardiac care, including rehabilitation
- Yonsei Severance Hospital – Multidisciplinary cardiac management and follow-up
- Long-Term Follow-Up
- Regular cardiac check-ups and imaging
- Monitoring for recurrence or heart failure
- Lifestyle management, medications, and rehabilitation to prevent secondary events
