- Among the main risk factors that cause cardiovascular diseases are high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and diabetes.
- It was previously believed that an acute myocardial infarction was exclusive to older adults, but now more and more cases are occurring in young people.
- In 2015, the IMSS implemented the Infarction Code program to offer immediate care to patients with this heart problem.
It is no secret that cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of death in the world. In the case of Mexico alone, they caused 220 thousand deaths during 2021. Although within this group the acute myocardial infarction because it was responsible for 177 thousand deaths in the same period. Therefore it is a serious public health problem.
In accordance with Medline Plus These types of cases occur when a clot blocks one of the coronary arteries. The immediate consequence is that blood and oxygen do not reach the heart. If you do not receive medical attention as soon as possible, it can be fatal.
However, until a few decades ago it was believed that the acute myocardial infarction It was exclusive to older adults although this is no longer the case. More and more cases are being reported among young people and one of the reasons is the current lifestyle that prevails among the majority of Mexicans.
Infarction Code, IMSS program that has saved more than 5 thousand lives
To better understand, the main risk factors that cause cardiovascular diseases in Mexicans are high blood pressure, which affects 80 percent; dyslipidemia with 43 percent and diabetes with 15 percent. The three conditions are of high incidence today.
On the other hand, Dr. Juan Verdejo, cardiologist and former Medical Director at the National Institute of Cardiology, states that taking care of the heart is a personal responsibility. A balanced diet, maintaining regular physical activity, keeping blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control, and avoiding smoking and alcohol are essential factors to reduce risks.
Main warning signs
Although prevention is key, the main symptoms must also be identified to be alert to an acute myocardial infarction. The most frequent are the following:
- Chest pain or discomfort: It may feel like tightness, pain, or burning in the chest.
- Difficulty breathing: The person may experience difficulty breathing or a feeling of shortness of breath.
- Excessive sweating: Excessive sweating, often accompanied by paleness, may be a sign.
- Pain in left arm or jaw: In some cases, the pain moves to the left arm or jaw.
Dr. Verdejo stresses the importance of acting quickly. If someone experiences these symptoms they should not hesitate to call emergency services immediately. Receiving timely medical attention can be the difference between life and death in a case of this type.
PAHO launches an app that calculates the risk of suffering an acute myocardial infarction and you can download it here
Statistics on deaths attributed to cardiovascular diseases, specifically myocardial infarction in Mexico, highlight the need to adopt preventive measures to preserve the health of our hearts.
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Infarction Code, IMSS program that has saved more than 5 thousand lives
PAHO launches an app that calculates the risk of suffering an acute myocardial infarction and you can download it here
One in four Mexicans dies from acute myocardial infarction