Heart Attacks: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Heart attack A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, leading to damage or death of heart muscle tissue. It is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms The symptoms of a heart attack can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include: Chest pain or discomfort that may feel like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or comes and goes Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach Shortness of breath Sweating Nausea or vomiting Lightheadedness or dizziness Fatigue or weakness If you or someone you know experiences any of these symptoms, call emergency medical services immediately. Causes A heart attack is typically caused by a buildup of fatty deposits, or plaque, in the walls of the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart...