Post-Myocardial Infarction Syndrome Treatment in Newburyport, MA
Post-Myocardial Infarction Syndrome—also known as Dressler Syndrome, Post-pericardiotomy Syndrome and Post-Cardiac Injury Syndrome—is a condition in which patients experience heart attack-like symptoms after a heart injury (i.e. heart attack, open heart surgery, or blunt injury from a fall or motor vehicle accident).
The pain, fever and discomfort experienced is caused by the inflammation of the pericardium (the protective sac surrounding the heart). The body—post injury, surgery or heart-attack—treats this sac as an enemy sending an army of antibodies to fix the damaged tissue, causing inflammation.
Can I Just Wait it Out?
If left unchecked, this inflammation can lead to more serious symptoms including fluid retention.
The first type of fluid retention is within the pericardium, known as pericardial effusion. The fluid buildup puts pressure on the heart forcing it to work much harder, struggling to accomplish its routine pumping duties. When this stress is placed on the heart the condition is known as cardiac tamponade.
The second type of fluid retention is within the membrane surrounding the lungs, known as plural effusion. Rather than restrict the heart like a pericardial effusion, a plural effusion restricts the lungs, making it very difficult or impossible to breath.
A more permanent or chronic complication of post-myocardial infarction syndrome—if left unchecked—is constrictive pericarditis. In this complication, the pericardium itself becomes scarred and thick, significantly impairing the hearts ability to pump needed blood around the body.
How is Post-Myocardial Infarction Syndrome Diagnosed?
Through a series of tests including a chest x-ray, blood test, EKG (electrocardiogram), and echocardiogram doctors can ascertain if you have Dressler's Syndrome.
How is Post-Myocardial Infarction Syndrome Treated?
Due to the relatively common and simple symptoms (fever and pain) the goal of treatment is to reduce those symptoms. The first course of action is usually over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs such as Advil (Ibuprofen) and Aspirin. However specific medications have been suggested for treating stubborn cases.
If you have the above-mentioned complications draining the fluid will need to be performed or a complete pericardiectomy (removal of the pericardium) in some of the most severe cases.
Post-myocardial infarction syndrome is less common these days in a world of advanced medicine. But in the event you find yourself with this condition treatment options are available.
Request more information about post-myocardial infarction syndrome today. Call (207) 536-9661 or contact Dr. Johanna Mauss online.
Vibrant Health Natropathic Medical Center
Address
3 Riverside DriveGreenland, NH 03840
(207) 536-9661
vibranthealthnaturalmedicine.com/
Hours
Mon:
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Tue:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed:
10:30 am - 5:00 pm
Thu:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri:
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sat:
Closed
Sun:
Closed