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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

Treatment[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

References[edit | edit source]

Heart attack Resources
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