Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction) - A medical emergency where blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot.
What is Heart Attack?
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, happens when a coronary artery supplying the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot forming on a fatty plaque. Without oxygen, heart muscle begins to die within minutes. Fast treatment to reopen the artery saves muscle and lives, which is why every minute matters. A normal resting heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute, but during a heart attack the rate can be normal, fast or slow.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Coronary artery disease (plaque build-up)
- Smoking
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Obesity and inactivity
- Family history of early heart disease
Signs and Symptoms
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness lasting more than a few minutes
- Pain spreading to the arm, jaw, neck or back
- Breathlessness
- Cold sweat, nausea, light-headedness
- Women, older adults and people with diabetes may have milder or unusual symptoms
Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Urgently
- Any suspected heart attack - call emergency services immediately (1122 Pakistan, 911 USA, 999 UK, 112 Europe)
- Do not drive yourself to hospital
- Collapse with no normal breathing - start CPR
Diagnosis: Tests, Lab and Imaging
An ECG is done as soon as possible to look for changes. Blood tests for troponin show heart muscle damage. Echocardiography and coronary angiography assess the heart and arteries.
Treatment and Medicines
Emergency teams may give aspirin to chew if not allergic, oxygen if levels are low, and pain relief. The blocked artery is reopened with primary angioplasty and a stent, or with clot-busting medicine. Afterward people usually take antiplatelets, a statin, a beta-blocker and an ACE inhibitor, plus cardiac rehabilitation.
Emergency
If you notice any red-flag sign, call 1122 (Pakistan), 911 (USA), 999 (UK) or 112 (Europe), or go to the nearest emergency department. See our emergency first aid guide.
Complications
Heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, cardiac arrest and repeat heart attacks.
Prevention
- Do not smoke
- Control blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar
- Stay active and eat a heart-healthy diet
- Take prescribed preventive medicines
Outlook and Follow-up
Survival has improved greatly with fast treatment. Cardiac rehabilitation and long-term medicines reduce the chance of another event.
Patient Education
Write down your questions before appointments, bring a list of all medicines, and ask what results mean for you. Use our symptom checker to learn which departments relate to your symptoms. This Heart Attack guide is educational and reviewed against WHO, CDC and NIH sources by the ghkh.site editorial team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take aspirin during a heart attack?
Emergency services may advise chewing aspirin if you are not allergic. Call first and follow their advice.
Is a heart attack the same as cardiac arrest?
No. A heart attack is a blockage; cardiac arrest is when the heart stops pumping. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest.
How soon can I return to normal activity?
It varies. Cardiac rehabilitation teams guide a gradual return over weeks.
Sources
We summarise these sources in our own words. Mention of an organisation does not imply endorsement.