I22: Subsequent myocardial infarction

I22.9: Subsequent myocardial infarction of unspecified site

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.

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.

When someone has a heart attack, they can get sudden pains 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.