Heart attack

Heart attack or myocardial infarction is a serious medical condition where the blood supply to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot. This can cause damage to the heart muscle and is a medical emergency.

Causes

A heart attack usually occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart. Without blood, tissue loses oxygen and dies. The most common cause of heart attacks is coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition in which the major blood vessels that supply the heart with blood, oxygen and nutrients (coronary arteries) become clogged with fatty deposits called plaques.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person. Some people can have few symptoms and are surprised to learn they've had a heart attack. The most common symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain
• Cold sweat
• Fatigue
• Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a heart attack is based on your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. These tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Blood tests
• Coronary angiography
• Echocardiography

Treatment

Treatment for a heart attack usually involves taking medications to dissolve the clot and restore blood flow to your heart. In some cases, surgery may be required. The main treatments for a heart attack are:

• Thrombolysis
• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)

Prevention

Prevention of heart attacks involves managing risk factors and living a healthy lifestyle. This includes:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Regular exercise
• Quitting smoking
• Controlling conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes

See also

• Cardiovascular disease
• Stroke
• Angina

References

Heart attack Resources
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