What is a septal infarct age undetermined?
A septal infarct of undetermined age is a medical term that refers to an infarction of the septum that occurred in the past.
The diagnosis is made after the doctor sees characteristic changes on the ECG, but the patient is unaware of any past infarction.
The infarct may be unnoticed. This condition is called a silent infarction.
Also, an infarction can be mistaken for a different condition. In such cases, the infarction is referred to as unrecognized.
A septal infarction occurs when the blood supply is restricted from a part of the septum or the whole septum. The cells of the heart, deprived of oxygen, start dying after around 30 minutes.
If the infarction is unresolved, the affected cells die. The region were the cells died turns to a pale colour that is distinguishable from the healthy tissue of the heart. It also losses its functionality.
Where is the septum?
The septum is the heart wall that divides the left and right sides of the heart. The upper part of the septum is called the interatrial septum. The larger and lower part of the septum divides the ventricles and is named the interventricular septum.
An infarction that occurs anywhere in this part of the heart will be named a septal infarction. However, infarctions of the interatrial septum are rare.
How is it possible to have an infarction and not know it?
There are two reasons why it is possible to have an infarction and not know about it.
An infarction that goes unnoticed is called silent or unrecognized.
Silent infarctions are those that have no symptoms at all [1]. The lacking presentation makes it impossible to know that an infarction is happening unless you undergo a cardiological examination at that time.
Unrecognized infarctions have atypical symptoms [1]. Infarction of this type, can be mistaken for a different health condition, like indigestion.
Silent infarctions are estimated to account for 20% of all infarctions in men. In women, the number of silent infarctions is twice as high as in men [1].
Unrecognized infarctions account for a large portion of all infarctions. Even up to 40% of all infarctions are unrecognized [2].
Can I die from a septal infarct age undetermined?
The infarction occurred in the past, so it is unlikely that you will die from a septal infarct of undetermined age. Nevertheless, there is a chance that you may suffer from serious complications that can be life-threatening.
Furthermore, when you experience an infarction, it increases the probability of you having another one in the future. Also, the following infarction has a high chance of causing more complications than the first one.
Generally speaking, having a past undetected infarction increases the risk of death [2].
What are the complications of a septal infarct age undetermined?
Complications of a septal infarct age undetermined include:
- ventricular septal rapture [3],
- ventricual aneurism [3],
- valve disorders [4],
- arrythmias, for example, ventricular tachycardia [4],
- infective endocarditis [4],
- ventricular pseudoaneurysm [5].
Also, heart failure, thromboembolism, and the next heart attack are possible complications of a septal infarction of undetermined age.
Should I see a cardiologist with a septal infarct age undetermined?
Yes, if you have a septal infarct age undetermined you should see a cardiologist. He will evaluate the function of your heart and exclude the presence of any complications.
Depending on the degree, size, and location of the infarction in the septum, the cardiologist will refer you for further examination.
Possible examinations that can be necessary include echocardiography, MRI, and CT. Sometimes, the cardiologist will perform another ECG to confirm the diagnosis.
Additionally, the cardiologist can prescribe you some medication. It will be a preventive measure against another heart attack.
The doctor will also advise you on the lifestyle changes that will be necessary to reduce any possible complications and repeated infarctions.
Among the classic recommendations are:
- reducing stress,
- regular physical activity,
- healthy, balanced diet,
- low intake of sodium, coffee, and alcohol,
- quitting smoking [6].