What Is an Anterior Infarction?
LearntheHeart.com states that an anterior myocardial infarction is when the anterior, or front, wall of the heart experiences injury due to lack of blood flow. An artery known as the left anterior descending coronary artery usually supplies blood flow to this area of the heart. An anterior myocardial infarction generally indicates that there is a blockage in this artery.
“Myocardial infarction” is the medical term for a heart attack, according to MedlinePlus. A person experiencing a myocardial infarction may experience severe symptoms or no symptoms at all. Chest pain is the most common symptom. It may feel like a squeezing or pressure sensation, like a tight band is around the chest, or like something heavy is sitting on the chest. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, dizziness, sweating, shortness of breath or anxiety. Elderly people, diabetics and women may not experience the classic symptoms of a heart attack. They may have vague, unusual symptoms such as fatigue or weakness.
Any time a heart attack is suspected, it is important to immediately seek emergency medical attention. When a person suspected of having a heart attack arrives at a medical facility, immediate treatment usually includes heart monitoring, oxygen, aspirin and nitroglycerin.
