Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI), often known as a heart attack, occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle is suddenly cut off, often by a blood clot or deposits of fat. This section of the heart muscle is damaged, and the pain from a heart attack is caused from the damaged tissue.

Each year about one million Americans experience a heart attack. And, whereas years ago a heart attack would have been fatal, with a better awareness of signs and symptoms and the improved treatments we have today, the vast majority of people who have a heart attack, survive.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the condition in which the blood supply to the heart muscle is partially or completely blocked. This is caused by buildups of cholesterol and other desposts. Coronary Artery Disease is the underlying cause of heart attacks.

In keeping with the recommended guildelines issued by both the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, we at Rice Hospital have set goals for AMI which include both primary care preventation as well as reducing hospitalizations. Once diagnosed with AMI, your health care team is dedicated to your needs before, during and after hospitalization.

The following goals are important because research has shown improved health outcomes when these goals are met.

  • Early administration of aspirin - all patients suspected of having AMI should receive aspirin within 24 hours of arrival at the hospital. Aspirin inhibits blood clotting and can help maintain blood flow through a narrowed artery. Studies have shown than when taken during a heart attack, aspirin can significantly decrease death rates. Patients with AMI will also receive an aspirin prescription upon discharge from the hospital.
  • Early administration of a beta blocker - all patients suspected of having AMI should receive a beta blocker medication within 24 hours of arrival at the hospital. A beta blocker medication will help relax the heart muscle, slow the heartbeat and decrease blood pressure. Patients with AMI will also receive an beta blocker prescription upon discharge from the hospital.
  • Timely reperfusion - all patients suspected of having AMI should receive a thrombolytic agent within 30 minutes after onset of symptoms. Studies show that the earlier a patient can receive a thrombolytic agent following a heart attack, the greater chance of survival and less damage to the heart.
  • Aspirin at discharge - all patients suspected of having AMI should receive aspirin at hospital discharge.
  • Beta Blocker at discharge - all patients supected of having AMI should receive a beta blocker medication prescription at hospital discharge.
  • ACE Inhibitor at discharge for low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) - those patients with an ejection fraction <40% will receive ACE Inhibitor medication prescription at hospital discharge.
  • Smoking cessation advice/counseling - all smokers with a history of smoking in the last year will receive advice/counseling for smoking cessation.

Resources:

American Medical Association
American Heart Association
National Institutes of Health