title: Unrecognized myocardial infarction.
abstract: MI is frequently unrecognized for reasons that are unknown, comprising approximately 40 percent of all MIs that occur. Although many unrecognized MIs are accompanied by symptoms of some sort, probably half are totally asymptomatic. Patients with unrecognized MI seem to be similar to those with typical presentations, with similar risk factors and other characteristics. It appears that MI carries the same prognosis whether clinically apparent or not and, therefore, warrants management in both cases. Therapy for silent MI should be aimed at (1) identification and modification of risk factors, (2) identification and treatment of residual ischemia, and (3) attempts at reducing the risk of reinfarction with subsequent morbidity and mortality. As we develop a better understanding of silent ischemic heart disease, hopefully the optimal management strategy for these patients will emerge.
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Bertolet
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Hill
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors