A heart attack, also referred to as a myocardial infarction (MI), is a critical medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the heart is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot.
If you think someone is having a heart attack, immediately dial 999 for an ambulance.
The reduced blood supply can cause severe damage to the heart muscle and may be life-threatening.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Typical symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest Pain: A feeling of pressure, tightness, heaviness, or squeezing in the chest.
- Pain in Other Areas: Discomfort may spread to the arms (usually the left arm), jaw, neck, back, or abdomen.
- Lightheadedness or Dizziness
- Sweating
- Shortness of Breath
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Intense Anxiety: This can mimic a panic attack.
- Coughing or Wheezing
Although chest pain is the most common symptom, some people may experience only mild discomfort similar to indigestion.
Symptoms can vary; some may have shortness of breath, nausea, or pain in the back or jaw, with no chest pain at all.
Treatment for Heart Attacks
While waiting for medical assistance, if the person is not allergic to aspirin, chewing and swallowing a 300mg tablet can be helpful. Aspirin helps thin the blood and may improve blood flow to the heart.
At the hospital, treatment depends on the type and severity of the heart attack, with the primary methods being:
- Medications: To break down blood clots.
- Surgery: To restore blood flow to the heart.
Causes of Heart Attacks
The most common cause of heart attacks is coronary heart disease (CHD). CHD happens when the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart, become narrowed by fatty deposits called plaques.
If one of these plaques ruptures, a blood clot can form, blocking the blood flow to the heart and causing a heart attack.
