What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack (myocardial infarction), happens when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked. Without oxygen, that part of the heart muscle starts to die.

This is a medical emergency. Fast care can save your life and reduce damage.

Causes of Heart Attacks

A heart attack is often caused by a blocked artery. Plaque builds up in the walls. If the plaque breaks, a blood clot forms and blocks the artery.

Causes of myocardial infarction include:

  • High blood pressure

  • High cholesterol

  • Smoking

  • Diabetes

  • Lack of exercise

  • Stress

  • Blocked arteries

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Early Signs of a Heart Attack

6 signs of heart attack a month before:

  1. Chest pain that comes and goes
  2. Tiredness without reason
  3. Trouble sleeping
  4. Shortness of breath
  5. Jaw pain
  6. Nausea or cold sweats

Not all heart attacks come with chest pain. Some are called silent heart attacks. Some symptoms may feel like panic attack vs heart attack, but the heart version needs urgent help.

Symptoms in the Moment

Symptoms of heart attack:

  • Chest pressure or squeezing

  • Pain in the arm, back, neck, or jaw

  • Right arm pain heart attack signs

  • Shortness of breath

  • Cold sweat

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Nausea

  • Feeling of doom or fear

Heart attack symptoms in women may include tiredness, pain in the neck or jaw, and light stomach pain.

If you’re asking “am I having a heart attack?”—get medical help right away.

Types of Heart Attacks

There are different types based on how much blockage there is.

Myocardial infarction types:

  • STEMI heart attack: full blockage, very dangerous

  • Non-STEMI myocardial infarction: partial blockage

  • EKG STEMI and NSTEMI: used to read damage level

This is where BaleDoneen can help.

We focus on finding hidden risk and stopping plaque before it blocks an artery. Our method tracks inflammation, tests blood flow, and helps lower your chance of a first or second heart attack.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors use:

  • EKG
  • Blood test for troponin levels and heart attack damage
  • Heart scan or angiogram

Heart attack treatment may include:

  • Blood thinners
  • Oxygen
  • Medicine to break up clots
  • Stent to open the artery
  • Surgery if needed

Myocardial infarction treatment starts fast and continues with recovery care.

Life After a Heart Attack

Recovery after heart attack includes:

  • Rest

  • Rehab

  • Heart-friendly meals

  • Blood pressure checks

  • Exercise that fits your health

  • Follow-up scans

Stress can raise your risk again. Many ask, can stress cause a heart attack? Yes. It plays a big part.

Life after heart attack is possible. With the right steps, many people live for years.

Prevention

To lower your risk:

  • Eat a heart-healthy diet

  • Get moving

  • Quit smoking

  • Watch blood sugar and cholesterol

  • Take your medicine

  • Get support for mental and emotional health

Know the heart blockage symptoms and watch for signs of a heart attack early.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to prevent heart attack?

What is the difference between a heart attack and a myocardial infarction?

What is the first line treatment for myocardial infarction?

How long does it take to recover from a heart attack?