What is the most common cause of death associated with myocardial infarction complications?

Get ready for the COMLEX Level 3 Exam. Study with quizzes and multiple choice questions, each with insights and explanations. Excel in your osteopathic path!

Myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, can lead to several serious complications that increase the risk of mortality. Among these complications, arrhythmias are the most prevalent cause of death associated with MI.

During an MI, the heart muscle does not receive enough blood supply due to a blockage in the coronary arteries. This lack of oxygen can lead to disturbances in the electrical conduction system of the heart, resulting in arrhythmias. These abnormal heart rhythms can range from harmless to life-threatening conditions, such as ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation. When life-threatening arrhythmias occur, they can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, which is a critical event that requires immediate medical intervention.

In the context of MI, arrhythmias can develop acutely as a direct consequence of ischemic injury or can arise due to the underlying structural changes in the heart muscle following the infarction. The rapid progression of these arrhythmias can quickly reduce cardiac output and lead to death if not promptly treated.

While chronic heart failure, pulmonary embolism, and cardiogenic shock are significant concerns following myocardial infarction, they generally occur as secondary complications rather than the immediate cause of death. Chronic heart failure may develop over time during the

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy