Myocardial reinfarction

Introduction: Based on the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction (MI), the term "reinfarction" is clinically used when a myocardial infarction occurs within 28 days of the primary incident or a recurrent MI. It is characterised by the reappearance of anginal pain, an increase in cardiospecific enzymes and changes in the electrocardiogram. Objective: To emphasise the importance of early recognition and establishing a working diagnosis of a myocardial reinfarction that occurred shortly after the first MI, in the prehospital setting, aiming for a positive patient outcome. Case report: A 64-year-old woman dialed the Emergency Medical Assistance number to complain of sudden-onset chest pain accompanied by vomiting. She was discharged from the hospital two days earlier, where she had been hospitalised after suffering an anterior wall MI. The ECG tracing revealed ST-segment changes, indicative of an acute anterolateral MI. Appropriate therapy was administered, and the patient was transported to the on-call angio room for further diagnosis and myocardial reinfarction treatment, continuously monitored on the way. Conclusion: A rapid and timely diagnosis of myocardial reinfarction plays a key role in the successful treatment of such patients.