What is an anteroseptal infarct age undetermined?
Anteroseptal infarct age undetermined is a medical diagnosis of an unnoticed or unrecognized infarct in the past. Simply put, it is a past infarction that happened at an unknown time and affected the frontal part of the septum.
The septum is the barrier that divides the left and right sides of the heart. Anteroseptal infarctions happen especially in the lower septum, the one dividing the ventricles.
The diagnosis of an anteroseptal infarct age undetermined is done based on ECG findings. Typical ECG changes for a past anteroseptal infarct affect the leads V1, V2, and V3 [1].
An example of ECG changes indicating an anteroseptal infarct age undetermined can be abnormal Q waves in the characteristic changes [2].
Other changes that can indicate an age undetermined infarct include ST-segment elevation and T-wave inversions without an ST-segment elevation.
However, the changes in ECG do not always correspond to the true location of the infarct. Those atypical presentations on the ECG can present in different leads [1].
Is it possible to have an infarction without knowing?
Yes, it is possible to have an infarction without knowing.
Two types of infarction can happen without your knowledge. One is the silent infarction, and the other is the unrecognized infarction.
The silent infarction presents without any symptoms. You may experience it anytime and anywhere. As long as you are not on a Holter or just before a cardiologist's visit, you will not know that you experienced a heart attack.
The unrecognized infarction, on the other hand, presents with symptoms. However, they are very mild or atypical. The symptoms of an unrecognized infarction can resemble common health problems like indigestion.
Therefore, many people who experience an unrecognized infarction will not look for medical attention.
In both cases, if you experience an unrecognized or silent anteroseptal infarction, you will probably be diagnosed later with an age undetermined infarction.
Silent and unrecognized infarctions are one of the reasons to regularly check your heart. Even when you experience a small, silent infarction, you can suffer from complications.
Is an anteroseptal infarct age undetermined dangerous?
Any infarct can be dangerous. When you had an anteroseptal infarct age undetermined in the past, you may still suffer from complications.
Many factors determine how dangerous an anteroseptal infarct age undetermined can be. Among them are the size and depth of the infarct.
The larger the infarct, the more impact it can have on the function of the heart. Generally, large areas lead to more complications and higher mortality rates [3].
Complications of an anteroseptal infarct age undetermined
Among the most dangerous complications of an anteroseptal infarct age undetermined are:
- rupture of the interventricular septum [4],
- left ventricular aneurysm [5],
- thrombus formation [5],
- arrhythmia [6],
- heart failure [3],
- bundle branch block [3],
- mitral regurgitation [6].
Should I see a doctor with an anteroseptal infarct age undetermined?
Yes, you should see a doctor with an anteroseptal infarct age undetermined. Even though the infarct was in the past, its complications can impact you now. For example, you can develop heart failure.
When you experience one heart attack, it increases your chances of having another one.
A cardiologist will make sure the anteroseptal infarct age undetermined has no complications. The doctor will also plan a treatment that will lower your risk of cardiovascular events.
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Also, you can get a pharmacological treatment like statins. They will lower your bad cholesterol.