Final answer:
Late complications of myocardial infarction include heart failure, heart arrhythmias, and increased risk of cardiac arrest, all of which relate to the permanent damage caused to the heart muscle following an MI.
Step-by-step explanation:
- Late Complications of Myocardial Infarction (MI)
A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, can lead to numerous late complications that may significantly affect a patient's health. Following an MI, the heart muscle may be permanently damaged, which can result in conditions such as heart failure, heart arrhythmias, and an increased risk of cardiac arrest. The severity of these complications often depends on the extent of the heart damage and the affected area of the myocardium.
Heart failure is a potential late complication of MI, characterized by the heart's diminished capacity to pump blood effectively. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention.
Another possible late complication is the development of heart arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats that can impact the heart's efficiency and potentially lead to more severe conditions such as sudden cardiac death.
A patient may also be at an increased risk of cardiac arrest post-MI. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, which can be fatal if immediate medical attention is not provided.