I21: Acute myocardial infarction
I21.2: Acute transmural myocardial infarction of other sites
The heart muscle is supplied with oxygen-rich blood via the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries are blood vessels that run around the outside of the heart. The coronary arteries can get narrow due to deposits of fat and calcium. Various things favor these deposits. These include smoking, high blood pressure, and other disorders. The porosity of the coronary arteries can also be restricted for other reasons. For example, if the blood vessel wall is damaged or the muscles in the blood vessel wall cramp up.
The heart is a hollow muscle, surrounded on the inside and outside by a thin membrane. The walls of the cardiac muscle consist of some layers of muscle. The coronary arteries lie outside the heart and they then run, along with small blood vessels, into the layers of muscle. A heart attack involves parts of the heart not getting enough oxygen-rich blood. As a result, the affected heart tissue gets damaged or dies. All the layers of muscle in your heart in the area affected were damaged.
A heart attack can cause sudden pain in the chest or arm. They may sweat or feel nauseous. The heart may no longer be working properly. One can then have breathing difficulties and be seriously ill.
Patient Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns about your health.
If you see an ICD diagnosis code (e.g., on a medical report), be aware that doctors may also include additional indicators to express diagnostic certainty. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these codes accurately in the context of your individual case.
For a complete understanding of your condition and what the diagnosis means for you, please speak directly with your doctor.