Acute heart attack - Non-ST elevated myocardial infarct - NSTEMI

It is the damage of the heart cells caused by an obstruction in one or more coronary arteries, which leads to a lack of oxygen in the myocardial cells.

There is a genetic predisposition associated with this disease. Other factors that contribute to the occlusion of the inner lumen of the coronary vessels have also been described: smoking, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension.

It manifests with oppressive chest pain that may radiate to the arms, neck, shoulders and/or back. It is usually accompanied by sweating, nausea, vomiting, the urge to defecate and a sensation of imminent death.

Diagnosis is clinical, by interrogation, physical examination and electrocardiogram. Rapid diagnosis is of vital importance to initiate treatment and save as many cardiac cells as possible.

Treatment is aimed at early reestablishment of blood circulation in the occluded cardiac vessel, using antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants and vasodilators. Opioid analgesics may be used to relieve pain and heart rate slowing drugs to reduce the oxygen consumption of myocardial cells. If cardiac catheterization is available, it is the best test to analyze the condition of the arteries and to unblock them if possible.  In very severe cases, cardiac surgery may be necessary for the placement of bypasses.