A heart attack (medically known as myocardial infarction) is a life-threatening emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart is significantly reduced or completely blocked. This deprives the heart muscle of oxygen, causing damage or even death to that section of the heart.
Understanding the symptoms, causes, and risk factors of a heart attack can help you act quickly—and potentially save a life.
What Exactly Happens During a Heart Attack
During a heart attack, blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle is cut off or severely restricted. This is usually due to a blockage in one or more coronary arteries—the vessels responsible for supplying blood to your heart.
If blood flow isn’t restored quickly, the affected heart tissue begins to die, leading to permanent heart damage or death. This disruption in heart function can even stop blood flow to the rest of the body.
How Common Are Heart Attacks
In the U.S. alone, more than 800,000 people suffer a heart attack each year. Most of these are due to coronary artery disease (CAD)—a condition that is also the leading cause of death in the country.
Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Recognizing the early warning signs can be life-saving. While chest pain is the most well-known symptom, heart attacks can present in many different ways.
Common Symptoms:
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Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
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Shortness of breath
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Nausea or stomach discomfort
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Heart palpitations
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Dizziness or fainting
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Cold sweats
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Anxiety or a sense of “impending doom”
Symptoms in Women:
Women may experience heart attacks without the classic chest pain. Instead, they might have:
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Fatigue
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Shortness of breath
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Nausea or vomiting
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Pain in the back, neck, shoulders, arms, or abdomen
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Insomnia leading up to the event
Many people confuse a heart attack with heartburn or indigestion. If in doubt, always seek emergency care.
What Causes a Heart Attack
The most common cause is plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in the arteries. Over time, this sticky substance narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow.
Other Possible Causes:
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Ruptured plaque causing a blood clot
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Coronary artery spasm
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Air bubble or embolism
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Trauma or tear in the coronary artery
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Congenital artery anomalies
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Severe anemia or low oxygen levels
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Eating disorders that weaken the heart muscle
Risk Factors for a Heart Attack
Some risk factors are out of your control, but many are related to lifestyle choices.
Uncontrollable Risk Factors:
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Age: Risk increases after 45 in men, and after 50 or menopause in women
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Family history of heart disease (especially in first-degree relatives)
Modifiable Risk Factors:
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Smoking
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High blood pressure
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High cholesterol
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Obesity
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Lack of physical activity
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Unhealthy diet
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Excessive alcohol or drug use
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Diabetes
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Stress or untreated mental health conditions
Potential Complications of a Heart Attack
If not treated quickly, heart attacks can lead to serious or even fatal complications:
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Arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
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Heart failure
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Stroke
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Heart valve damage
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Sudden cardiac arrest
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Cardiogenic shock
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Ventricular septal defect
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Depression and anxiety
What to Do in Case of a Heart Attack
Time is muscle—every second counts. If you or someone around you shows signs of a heart attack:
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Call emergency services immediately (911 in the U.S.)
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Chew an aspirin (unless allergic or advised not to)
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Keep the person calm and help them rest
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Use CPR if the person becomes unresponsive
Final Thoughts
A heart attack can be sudden and frightening, but knowledge is power. By recognizing the symptoms early and acting quickly, you can protect your heart—or someone else’s.
Take control of your heart health: eat well, stay active, manage stress, and get regular checkups.
Your heart matters. Treat it with care.
For Enquiries: cardiologysupport@
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