[citation needed] Risk factors for rupture after an acute myocardial infarction include female gender,[6][7] advanced age of the individual,[6][7] first ischemic event, and a low body mass index.

[7] Due to the acute hemodynamic deterioration associated with myocardial rupture, the diagnosis is generally made based on physical examination, changes in the vital signs, and clinical suspicion.

By far the most dramatic is rupture of the free wall of the left or right ventricles, as this is associated with immediate hemodynamic collapse and death secondary to acute pericardial tamponade.

[citation needed] A certain small percentage of individuals do not seek medical attention in the acute setting and survive to see the physician days or weeks later.

[6] The chances of survival rise dramatically if the patient: 1. has a witnessed initial event; 2. seeks early medical attention; 3. has an accurate diagnosis by the emergentologist; and 4. happens to be at a facility that has a cardiac surgery service (by whom a quick repair of the rupture can be attempted).

[10] On the other hand, if primary percutaneous coronary intervention is performed to abort the infarction, the incidence of rupture is significantly lowered.