Heart Attack: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) is a serious medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked. Without quick treatment, the affected heart muscle can become permanently damaged.

What Causes a Heart Attack?
The most common cause is coronary artery disease, where fatty deposits (plaques) build up inside the arteries that supply blood to the heart. If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form and block blood flow.

Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Smoking or tobacco use

• Obesity

• Physical inactivity

• Unhealthy diet

• Excessive alcohol use

• Family history of heart disease

• Increasing age

Common Symptoms

• Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person. Common warning signs include:

• Pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest

• Pain or discomfort spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen

• Shortness of breath

• Cold sweat

• Nausea or vomiting

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Unusual tiredness

• Women, older adults, and people with diabetes may sometimes have less typical symptoms.

What to Do During a Suspected Heart Attack

A suspected heart attack requires immediate emergency medical attention. Do not wait to see if symptoms go away.

• Call your local emergency medical service immediately.

• Keep the person resting and as calm as possible.

• Do not drive yourself to the hospital if emergency medical services are available.

• Follow the emergency operator's instructions.

• If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, begin CPR and use an AED if available.

• Do not delay emergency care to try home remedies or self-medication.

How Is a Heart Attack Treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the heart attack. Doctors may use medicines and procedures to restore blood flow to the heart. Treatment can include:

• Antiplatelet medicines

• Anticoagulants

• Medicines to control blood pressure and cholesterol

• Other heart medications

• Angioplasty and stent placement

• Coronary artery bypass surgery in selected cases

• Treatment should always be determined by qualified medical professionals.

Prevention
Many heart attacks can be prevented or their risk reduced by:

• Not smoking or using tobacco

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Eating a heart-healthy diet

• Exercising regularly as advised by a healthcare professional

• Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar

• Taking prescribed medicines correctly

• Managing stress

• Getting regular health checkups