| Complication | Time Course | Clinical Clue | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Hours–days | Rales, elevated JVP, hypoxemia | | Cardiogenic Shock | 1–24 hours | SBP <90 mmHg, cool extremities, oliguria | | Apical Thrombus | 2–14 days | Systemic embolization (CVA, renal infarct) | | Ventricular Septal Rupture | 3–7 days | New harsh holosystolic murmur, thrill, acute RV failure | | Left Ventricular Aneurysm | Weeks–months | Persistent ST elevation, dyskinetic wall motion | | Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation | First 48 hours | Palpitations, syncope, cardiac arrest | | Pericarditis (Dressler’s syndrome) | Weeks | Friction rub, pleuritic chest pain, fever |
The underlying mechanism is usually acute thrombosis following atherosclerotic plaque rupture. anterior wall infarction
Anterior MIs have a higher rate of mechanical complications compared to inferior MIs. | Complication | Time Course | Clinical Clue
Due to the large area of muscle damage, the heart may struggle to pump effectively. Anterior Myocardial Infarction - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Anterior Myocardial Infarction - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
Because the LAD artery is so critical, its occlusion is frequently referred to by this serious nickname.