A health condition that is a type of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and occurs due to a partial blockage of the coronary artery is called NSTEMI. This condition reduces blood flow to the heart and can quickly cause heart damage. In general, NSTEMI is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Otherwise, it may lead to permanent damage to the heart and even death. Usually, it is treated with medicines and therapies to restore blood flow to the heart.
This condition often occurs when a blood clot causes a blockage in one of the coronary arteries that reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. Furthermore, this type of myocardial infarction gets its name because it does not cause a specific electrical pattern (called ST-segment elevation) on an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). Immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if you or someone has symptoms of a heart attack. The main symptoms include sudden and severe chest pain or discomfort. Without immediate treatment, NSTEMI can cause permanent damage to the heart or even death.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this condition are similar to those of a heart attack. Examples include:
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Pain in the jaw, neck, shoulder, arm, or back
Immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if any of the previous symptoms occur. The only way to prevent serious complications is immediate treatment.
Causes and Risk Factors
This condition often occurs due to a blood clot that forms over plaque in the coronary artery. As a result, it blocks blood flow to the heart. In most cases, people with coronary artery disease develop NSTEMI. The plaque on the artery walls usually develops over years and may not cause any problems. In people with NSTEMI, a blood clot restricts or blocks blood flow within minutes or hours. However, if you notice symptoms similar to this condition, immediately visit a doctor.
Moreover, anyone may develop this condition, but doctors have identified some factors that may increase your risk even more. These include:
- A history of coronary artery disease
- Smoking
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Chronic kidney disease
- A diet high in Sodium, saturated fat, or sugar
- Lack of physical exercise
- Misuse of addictive substances (such as amphetamines or cocaine)
- Excessive alcohol drinking
What Are The Long-term Effects of NSTEMI?
People who develop NSTEMI may also experience serious and even life-threatening complications because it restricts blood flow to the heart muscle. Check some examples below:
- Permanent damage to the heart
- Multiple heart attacks (myocardial infarctions)
- Decreased blood flow to the heart muscle that may occur several times
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm)
- Cardiogenic shock
- Thromboembolic complications (such as blood clots that develop in other parts of the body)
- Depression
- Pericarditis
- Ventricular septal defect (VSD)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Death
The previous list does not contain a full list of complications. In any case, early detection and proper treatment can help reduce the risk or even prevent them.
Diagnosis
Commonly, NSTEMI is diagnosed by performing a physical examination and some tests. Doctors may also ask some questions about your symptoms and medical history. Furthermore, one of the most important tests is the electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which is used to measure the electrical activity of the heart muscle. It often helps diagnose arrhythmia. Check below some signs of NSTEMI that can be seen during an EKG:
- Transient ST-segment elevation – In people with NSTEMI, this segment is taller just for a short period.
- ST-segment depression – In such cases, the segment decreases below its normal position.
- New T-wave inversion – Usually, in people with NSTEMI, a part of the ST-segment called the T-wave is flipped from how it normally looks on an EKG.
Furthermore, blood tests are also important in diagnosing NSTEMI and other heart attacks. Physicians often perform them to check the levels of a chemical called troponin, which often indicates damage to the heart muscle. In rare cases, you may need imaging tests, such as an echocardiogram, heart CT (computed tomography) scans, or heart MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans. These tests are used to get detailed images of the heart and surrounding tissue.
Treatment
In most cases, doctors prescribe medicines and therapy to open the blocked coronary artery. Check below some treatment options often recommended by doctors for people with NSTEMI:
- PCI (percutaneous coronary intervention) – This is a common procedure used by doctors to save many lives. It involves a small balloon that is inflated in the artery to clear the blockage. Moreover, doctors may also place a stent to keep it open.
- CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) – This is a type of surgery used to treat people with severe blockages. During this procedure, surgeons will make a new path for blood to go around the affected area.
- Dual antiplatelet therapy – This treatment involves Aspirin in combination with another medicine to stop platelets from forming clots. These medications may also help prevent the formation of new blood clots.
- Anticoagulants (also called blood-thinners) – These medications also help prevent blood clots.
- ACE inhibitors – This group of medicines is primarily prescribed to reduce hypertension, especially if you have heart failure, kidney problems, or diabetes.
- Beta-blockers – These medications help slow the heart rate and reduce the strain on the heart muscle.
- Nitroglycerin – This medicine is used to treat angina (heart-related chest pain).
- Statins – Doctors often prescribe this medicine to reduce high cholesterol in the blood. As a result, it helps prevent the formation of plaques in the artery.
Recovery
While symptoms often start to improve while you begin the treatment, some people may feel tired and weak for a few days after a heart attack. You may also consider cardiac rehab, which helps strengthen the heart and increase survival rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see my healthcare provider?
In general, doctors will tell you how often you need to follow up with visits. However, if you experience sudden and severe chest pain, immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER).
Is a NSTEMI a heart attack?
NSTEMI is a type of myocardial infarction (heart attack) that is less severe. For more details, discuss it with your physician.
Is NSTEMI congestive heart failure?
No, but this condition frequently causes CHF (congestive heart failure). Ask your healthcare provider if you have additional questions.
