Stroke and myocardial infarction: a terrible association

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Updated: May 17, 2026

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis
18:11

A Research Method For Detecting Transient Myocardial Ischemia In Patients With Suspected Acute Coronary Syndrome Using Continuous ST-segment Analysis

Published on: December 28, 2012

Marcelo Rodrigues Bacci1, Janaina Aparecida Boide Santos

  • 1Department of General Practice, Faculdade De Medicina Do Abc, Santo Andre, Sao Paulo, Brazil. mrbacci@yahoo.com

BMJ Case Reports
|November 13, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Coronary heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death. This case highlights the challenge of treating acute myocardial infarction in a patient with a recent ischaemic stroke.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Vascular Medicine

Background:

  • Coronary heart diseases and cerebral vascular accidents are leading causes of mortality in the USA.
  • Atherosclerosis underlies acute myocardial infarction and encephalic vascular accidents, major contributors to death.
  • Early identification of risk factors and proper patient follow-up are crucial for prevention.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old Black male, diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension, presented with an ischemic stroke.
  • The patient's condition progressed to acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.
  • Treatment with thrombolysis or antiplatelet aggregation was contraindicated due to the acute stroke phase.

Findings:

  • This case illustrates the co-occurrence of stroke and myocardial infarction, two primary causes of death.
  • The management of acute myocardial infarction in the context of an acute ischemic stroke presents significant therapeutic challenges.

Implications:

  • Highlights the complex interplay between cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
  • Underscores the critical need for tailored treatment strategies in patients with multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Emphasizes the importance of comprehensive risk factor management for preventing major adverse cardiovascular events.

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