On 20/10, representatives from Bai Chay Hospital announced that a patient of Taiwanese nationality with a history of hypertension was admitted with severe left chest pain radiating to the left shoulder, shortness of breath, profound hypotension, and signs of cardiogenic shock. Twenty-three minutes after admission, the patient suddenly lost consciousness, had no palpable pulse, unmeasurable blood pressure, and experienced circulatory arrest.

Doctors raced against time to save the patient's life. Within 30 minutes, the patient's heart stopped beating three times consecutively. The medical team performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation, external chest compressions, defibrillation, intubation, and implemented intensive resuscitation measures to restore circulation and sustain the patient's life.

Electrocardiogram and laboratory test results confirmed acute myocardial infarction complicated by ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest, and cardiogenic shock. This is a critical condition requiring immediate resuscitation and prompt treatment of the underlying cause of blocked coronary arteries.

The patient was transferred to the catheterization lab for coronary artery revascularization. Angiography revealed a thrombus causing near-total occlusion of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) – a vital vessel supplying blood to most of the heart's anterior wall. The team performed thrombectomy and stent placement at the lesion site, restoring blood flow to the myocardium, and successfully revascularizing the occluded artery.

After three days of intensive care, the patient is now stable and recovering well.

Doctors performing external chest compressions on the patient in the emergency room. Photo: *Hospital provided*

Doctor Dinh Danh Trinh, Head of the Cardiology Department, stated that ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest, and cardiogenic shock are extremely dangerous complications of acute myocardial infarction. These can lead to rapid death if not treated promptly. For such cases, time is a decisive factor. Patients require immediate intensive resuscitation, along with swift identification of the lesion and coronary artery revascularization.

"Success depends on urgent and precise coordination among emergency care, resuscitation, and cardiovascular intervention stages", the doctor noted.

Doctors advise everyone to be vigilant for signs of myocardial infarction, such as: chest pain or pressure, pain radiating to the shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw; shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, extreme fatigue, or fainting. Individuals with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, a history of smoking, or cardiovascular disease should undergo regular health check-ups and effectively manage risk factors.

If suspected signs of myocardial infarction appear, it is crucial to seek emergency medical care at a healthcare facility as soon as possible. Early detection, timely resuscitation, and appropriate coronary artery revascularization are vital factors in reducing mortality risk and improving recovery chances.

Thuy Quynh