A septal infarct is an area of dead tissue in the heart’s septum. The septum is the tissue wall separating your heart’s left ventricle. Septal infarct is also called septal infarction. It happens when there is a blockage or reduction in its blood supply, usually following a heart attack.
Symptoms
For many people, a septal infarct goes unnoticed until discovered during surgery or an ECG.
Common heart attack symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Anxiety similar to a panic attack
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Cold sweat
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Pain that spreads to the arms, neck, jaw, or back
- Irregular heartbeat
People having heart attacks don’t always have the same symptoms or the same intensity of symptoms. The more signs and symptoms of heart attack that you experience, the higher the probability that you’re having one. If you think you’re experiencing a heart attack, have someone drive you to a hospital or call an ambulance immediately. The faster you get medical attention, the better your chances for a full recovery.
Diagnosis
Doctors may diagnose septal infarct after they perform an electrocardiogram (ECG OR EKG). an ECG uses electrodes to measure the heart’s electrical activity, which can help healthcare professionals spot cardiac abnormalities such as heart damage. An ECG is a common test following a heart attack and can detect damage to the heart.
Causes
Some causes of septal infarct include:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking and other nicotine use
- High blood pressure
- Unhealthy cholesterol level
- Excessive alcohol intake
Septal infarct treatment
If you’ve had a septal infarct, your doctor might prescribe medication to control your blood pressure or cholesterol. Treatment includes:
- Reducing sodium intake
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Avoiding tobacco products
- Lowering stress
- Regularly exercising
- Eating more fruits and vegetables
- Maintaining a healthy waist-to-hip ratio
Some cases may require percutaneous coronary intervention or stent placement to open blocked coronary arteries and restore blood flow to the damaged septal area.