Predisposing Factors of Myocardial Infarction

A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, is a medical emergency that occurs when a portion of the heart is deprived of oxygen because of blockage of one of the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle (myocardium) with blood. Lack of oxygen causes characteristic chest pain and death of myocardial tissue.

Predisposing Factors of Myocardial Infarction

1. Biological risk factors that can not be changed :
   • More than 40 years of age
   • Sex: high incidence in males, whereas in women increases after menopause
   • Heredity
   • Race: higher incidence in blacks.
   
   
2. Risk factors that can be modified :
   • Major:
     • Hyperlipidemia
     • Hypertension
     • Smoke
     • Diabetes
     • Obesity
     • Diets high in saturated fat, calories
   • Minor:
     • Physical activity
     • Personality pattern: type A (emotional, aggressive, ambitious, competitive).
     • Excessive psychological stress.