heart attack

Overview
A heart attack, medically called a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot in a coronary artery. This lack of blood flow can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle if not treated promptly. Heart attacks can happen suddenly or develop over several hours, and the severity can range from mild to life-threatening.

Why It’s Important
Heart attacks are a leading cause of death worldwide and can lead to serious complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac arrest. Early recognition and treatment are critical for survival and minimizing long-term damage. Understanding risk factors and symptoms can save lives by prompting immediate medical care.

Quick Facts

  • Most common in men over 45 and women over 55, though it can occur at younger ages

  • Leading cause of death in the U.S. and globally

  • Typically caused by atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries)

  • Can be acute, requiring emergency care

What Happens in the Body
A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked, often by a clot forming on a ruptured plaque. This prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching part of the heart muscle, causing cells to die. The extent of damage depends on the location and size of the blockage and the speed of treatment.

Common Signs and Symptoms

  • Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, fullness)

  • Pain radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back

  • Shortness of breath

  • Sweating, nausea, or vomiting

  • Lightheadedness or fainting

  • Fatigue or unusual weakness, especially in women

Diagnosis

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) to detect heart muscle damage

  • Blood tests for cardiac enzymes (troponin)

  • Coronary angiography to identify blockages

  • Physical exam and symptom review

Treatment and Management

  • Emergency treatment: Call 911 immediately

  • Medications: Aspirin, thrombolytics (clot-busting drugs), antiplatelets, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors

  • Procedures: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI/stent), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

  • Lifestyle changes: Heart-healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking, managing stress and blood pressure

  • Heart attacks require lifelong management to prevent recurrence

Risks and Complications

  • Heart failure due to damaged heart muscle

  • Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat)

  • Cardiogenic shock

  • Sudden cardiac arrest or death

  • Recurrent heart attacks

Who Is at Risk

  • People with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity

  • Smokers or those with a history of tobacco use

  • Individuals with a family history of heart disease

  • Sedentary lifestyle and poor diet

  • Older adults, particularly men and postmenopausal women

Related Conditions

  • Angina (chest pain due to reduced blood flow)

  • Coronary artery disease

  • Stroke

  • Peripheral artery disease

When to See a Doctor
Call emergency services immediately if you or someone else experiences:

  • Chest pain, pressure, or discomfort

  • Shortness of breath

  • Pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back

  • Sweating, nausea, or dizziness
    Immediate treatment is critical to prevent permanent heart damage or death.

Last Updated: October 2, 2025