Describe myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathy.

Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when there is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart, leading to damage or death of the heart muscle cells in that area. Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness. Prompt medical treatment is essential to minimize damage to the heart muscle and prevent complications.

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that affects its ability to pump blood effectively. There are several types of cardiomyopathy, including dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but may include fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in the legs and feet, and irregular heartbeats. Treatment for cardiomyopathy may include medications, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery or other procedures to improve heart function.

Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

- Definition: Necrosis of myocardial tissue due to prolonged ischemia (lack of oxygen)
- Causes: Typically occurs due to rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque in a coronary artery, leading to thrombosis and blockage of blood flow
- Symptoms: Sudden, severe chest pain; shortness of breath; nausea; sweating; anxiety
- Complications: Arrhythmias, heart failure, cardiogenic shock, death
- Treatment: Immediate medical attention for thrombolytic therapy (drugs that dissolve clots) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, such as angioplasty and stenting)

Cardiomyopathy

- Definition: A disease of the heart muscle characterized by structural and functional abnormalities
- Types:

- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Enlargement and weakened heart muscle,導致心臟泵血不足
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): Thickening of heart muscle, often without enlargement
- Restrictive Cardiomyopathy (RCM): Stiffening of heart muscle due to infiltrative or inflammatory diseases

- Causes: Can be genetic, autoimmune, or unknown
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest
- Complications: Heart failure, sudden cardiac death, stroke
- Treatment: Depends on the type and severity of cardiomyopathy; may include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgical interventions