What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, causing damage or death of heart tissue. The medical term for this is myocardial infarction (MI).
Warning Signs and Symptoms
-
Chest pain or discomfort - Often described as pressure, squeezing, or fullness
-
Pain or discomfort in other areas, including:
- Arms (especially left arm)
- Jaw
- Neck
- Back
- Stomach
-
Shortness of breath
-
Cold sweats
-
Nausea
-
Lightheadedness
Risk Factors
Controllable Risk Factors
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
Uncontrollable Risk Factors
- Age (men ≥45, women ≥55)
- Family history
- Gender (men at higher risk)
Emergency Response
-
Call emergency services immediately (911 in the US)
- Chew and swallow aspirin if recommended
- Rest and stay calm
- Unlock door for emergency responders
Treatment Options
Immediate Treatments
- Medications to dissolve clots
- Angioplasty
- Stent placement
Long-term Management
- Medications
- Lifestyle changes
- Cardiac rehabilitation
Prevention
- Regular exercise
- Healthy diet
- Smoking cessation
- Blood pressure control
- Regular medical check-ups
- Stress management
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery typically involves:
- Supervised exercise programs
- Dietary modifications
- Medication management
- Regular follow-up care
- Emotional support
When to Seek Help
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
- Multiple symptoms of a heart attack
- Any concerning cardiac symptoms