Mr. Ngoc received an unexpected diagnosis of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) at Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic. His Troponin T level, a cardiac enzyme indicator, reached 50,8, significantly exceeding the normal range. Master, Doctor Nguyen Tuan Long, a cardiologist from the Cardiology department, confirmed the NSTEMI diagnosis based on these results and an electrocardiogram (ECG). NSTEMI occurs when partial coronary artery damage obstructs blood flow, leading to insufficient oxygen supply to the heart and subsequent myocardial damage.

A subsequent coronary computed tomography (CT) scan, performed with an advanced machine, revealed severe blockages. The left anterior descending artery (LAD), a critical vessel supplying the heart, was 95% obstructed. Additionally, the right coronary artery experienced an almost complete blockage along its entire length, severely disrupting blood flow to the heart.

Doctor Long explained that NSTEMI, while causing serious damage, is often more challenging to detect than ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) due to subtle symptoms and less pronounced ECG changes. Mr. Ngoc's young age of 30 was deceptive, as he presented with several significant risk factors for atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction: he was overweight (BMI 24,8), led a sedentary lifestyle, and had dyslipidemia.

Doctor Long elaborated on a physiological phenomenon: when a primary heart-supplying blood vessel narrows or becomes blocked, the body can develop "collateral circulation." These bypasses connect segments of the vessel, circumventing the obstruction to ensure blood and oxygen delivery, thereby maintaining the heart's pumping function. While this compensatory mechanism helps sustain myocardial perfusion, it often masks typical symptoms of severe blockages, leading patients to experience only occasional, self-resolving chest pain.

Mr. Ngoc was subsequently transferred to Tam Anh Hanoi General Hospital, where he underwent a procedure to place a stent, restoring critical blood flow to his heart. Post-intervention, he remained alert and stable. His ongoing care plan includes taking anticoagulant medication, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and attending regular follow-up examinations.

The intervention team placing a stent for Mr. Ngoc. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctor Long emphasized common risk factors for myocardial infarction, which include a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy dietary habits, smoking, chronic stress, and metabolic disorders like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. He noted that many individuals are only diagnosed after significant myocardial damage has occurred, sometimes even after a heart attack, or they discover coronary artery disease incidentally. Therefore, Doctor Long strongly advises regular health check-ups for early disease detection and intervention.