Heart Attack

A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle becomes obstructed, usually by a blood clot. This blockage is often the result of atherosclerosis, a buildup of fatty plaques in the coronary arteries. If the blockage is not quickly resolved, it can cause damage or death to the heart muscle tissue due to the lack of oxygen and nutrients. The severity of a heart attack and the damage to the heart muscle depend on the size of the area supplied by the obstructed artery and the time between injury and treatment.

The clinical presentation of a heart attack includes chest pain or discomfort, which may radiate to the arm, shoulder, neck, or jaw, shortness of breath, nausea, and diaphoresis. Additional symptoms can range from fatigue to a sudden feeling of anxiety, resembling a panic attack. Some heart attacks are silent and go unnoticed or are mistaken for indigestion. Immediate medical attention is critical for a heart attack, as early intervention with medications, procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or surgery can save heart muscle and improve survival chances. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through electrocardiograms (ECG) and blood tests for cardiac biomarkers.