MI Complication (True Ventricular Aneurysm) (2 weeks to months Post-MI)

True ventricular aneurysm is a condition that can develop after a heart attack, affecting the heart muscle. It involves a bulging or ballooning of the weakened wall of the heart's lower chamber, called the ventricle. This bulge forms because the damaged heart tissue becomes thin and scarred, losing its ability to contract properly. The main health impact is that the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, which may lead to symptoms like heart failure, irregular heartbeats, or blood clots. This condition usually appears weeks to months after the initial heart attack. It primarily affects the left ventricle, which is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood to the body. Understanding this complication helps explain why some patients experience ongoing heart problems after a heart attack.

MI Complication (True Ventricular Aneurysm) (2 weeks to months Post-MI) is characterized by a localized, outward bulging of the ventricular wall composed of scarred, fibrotic myocardium without rupture. It typically arises as a late complication following a transmural myocardial infarction due to full-thickness necrosis and subsequent remodeling. The aneurysm involves all layers of the ventricular wall, resulting in a thinned, dyskinetic segment that paradoxically bulges during systole. This leads to impaired ventricular contractility and reduced ejection fraction, contributing to heart failure and increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. The aneurysm is distinct from a pseudoaneurysm, which lacks myocardial tissue and has a higher risk of rupture. Clinically, it may present with persistent ST elevation on ECG, a new systolic murmur, or embolic events from thrombus formation within the aneurysm. Recognition of this complication is critical due to its impact on prognosis and management.