An anteroseptal infarction is a heart problem where part of the heart muscle dies and scars due to poor blood supply. In this case, the tissue damage is centered around the anteroseptal wall, the area between the left and right ventricles. This can be dangerous for the patient, and it is necessary to receive treatment to address the cause of the tissue death and prevent additional damage.
This condition usually occurs as a result of a partial blockage along one of the branches of the left anterior descending (LAD) artery. When the whole artery is blocked, it can cause an acute myocardial infarction, where more of the heart is deprived of blood. In the case of lesser blockages, a limited infarction can occur in a more specific region, like the anteroseptal wall. A patient with an anteroseptal infarction may not get enough blood to the rest of the body and can experience pain, pressure, and discomfort in the chest.
Patients with chest pain typically receive an evaluation with an electrocardiograph machine to look at electrical activity in the heart. If something is irregular, information from the test will show the medical professional where the problem is situated. He or she uses a number of leads and electrodes to get a complete picture of the heart. This type of infarction tends to be detectable on the first through fourth ventricular leads, and it will be readily visible to a doctor or technician reading the test and can help care providers decide how to move forward with treatment.
Sometimes, a medical professional may identify an old anteroseptal infarction. In this case, the patient experienced damage in the past but did not receive treatment for it, or did but the damage was permanent. This area of the heart muscle will not be as mobile and could contribute to irregularities in the patient's heartbeat and circulation. Other tests will show evidence of an acute infarction, which means that damage is ongoing and the patient needs treatment to stop it.
Treatment for this problem can involve medications to stimulate the heart along with procedures to address blockages and clogged arteries. The patient may need surgery to bypass a completely blocked section of artery or a stent to allow the blood can flow freely. Treatment may also involve adjustments to the patient's diet to prevent future problems. Activities like increasing physical activity levels or controlling blood pressure more effectively may also be recommended for prevention of another anteroseptal infarction.