Inferior Myocardial Infarction

Inferior wall myocardial infarction occurs from a coronary artery occlusion, resulting in decreased perfusion in that region of the myocardium. Unless there is timely treatment, this results in myocardial ischemia followed by infarction. In most patients, the right coronary artery supplies the inferior myocardium. In about 6-10% of the population, the left circumflex supplies the posterior descending coronary artery because of left dominance. Approximately 40% of all myocardial infarctions involve the inferior wall. Traditionally, inferior myocardial infarctions have a better prognosis than those in other regions, such as the anterior wall of the heart. The mortality rate of an inferior wall myocardial infarction is less than 10%. However, several complicating factors increase mortality, including right ventricular infarction, hypotension, bradycardia, heart block, and cardiogenic shock.