Written by:Fact check:

Overview

What Is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked, usually because of a clot in a coronary artery. Without enough oxygen, the affected heart muscle can become damaged or die. A heart attack can affect people of any sex or age, although risk generally increases with age and certain health conditions. It is a medical emergency, so urgent treatment is needed to restore blood flow and limit heart damage.

Emergency Warning Signs

Heart Attack Warning Signs: Call 911 Immediately

Emergency warning

Get emergency help now

If you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Do not drive yourself, and do not wait to see whether the symptoms pass.

  • Chest pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
  • Pain or discomfort spreading to the arm, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Cold sweat.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.

Symptoms may be mild or severe, sudden or gradual, and some heart attacks cause few or no noticeable symptoms. These signs of a heart attack can also resemble other conditions, but emergency services should be contacted even when the cause is uncertain. Do not wait for symptoms to become more intense.

Symptoms

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women and Men

Heart attack symptoms can vary from person to person. Women may be more likely to notice unusual fatigue, indigestion-like discomfort, nausea, or shortness of breath, but classic chest discomfort can occur in anyone. Men can also have less typical symptoms, so all new or concerning symptoms deserve prompt medical attention.

  • Chest discomfort.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Pain in the arm or shoulder.
  • Back pain.
  • Jaw or neck pain.
  • Unusual tiredness.
  • Nausea.
  • Indigestion-like discomfort.
  • Dizziness or fainting.
  • Cold sweating.

Causes

What Causes a Heart Attack?

Most heart attacks result from coronary artery disease. Fatty cholesterol-containing plaque gradually narrows an artery, then may rupture and trigger a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. The longer the blockage remains, the greater the risk of permanent damage. This process is different from general heart disease symptoms, which can develop for many reasons.

  • A severe coronary artery spasm can temporarily or persistently reduce blood flow.
  • Spontaneous coronary artery dissection can cause a tear in the artery wall and restrict circulation.
  • An embolism, such as a traveling clot, can lodge in a coronary artery.
  • A severe imbalance between the heart’s oxygen demand and supply can injure heart muscle even without a typical plaque rupture.

Risk Factors

Heart Attack Risk Factors

NONMODIFIABLE RISKS

Older age, a family history of early heart disease, inherited conditions, and a previous heart or blood-vessel condition can increase risk.

MODIFIABLE RISKS

Smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, inactivity, excess weight, and unhealthy alcohol use may be reduced or treated with medical and lifestyle support.

Risk factors can add together, so having more than one may raise overall risk. However, controlling even one modifiable factor can help lower risk. A clinician can assess your personal risk and recommend appropriate prevention steps, especially if you have signs of heart of attack or known cardiovascular disease.

Complications

Heart Attack Complications

  • Abnormal heart rhythms can interfere with the heart’s ability to pump normally.
  • Heart failure can develop when damaged heart muscle cannot pump enough blood.
  • Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening loss of the heart’s pumping ability.
  • Cardiac arrest can occur when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively.
  • Damage to a heart valve or the wall between heart chambers can occur in some cases.
  • A recurrent heart attack may happen, particularly when underlying risk factors remain uncontrolled.
  • Blood clots can form in the heart or circulation and travel to other organs.
  • Depression or anxiety may affect emotional recovery after a heart attack.

Complication risk depends on the size and location of the damaged area, how quickly blood flow is restored, and other health conditions. Follow-up care helps clinicians monitor heart function, adjust treatment, and address physical or emotional problems early.

Diagnosis

How a Heart Attack Is Diagnosed

  • An electrocardiogram records the heart’s electrical activity and may show changes caused by a heart attack.
  • Cardiac troponin blood tests detect heart-muscle injury, and repeated tests can show changing levels over time.
  • A physical examination and medical history help clinicians assess symptoms, risk factors, and possible alternative causes.
  • An echocardiogram uses sound waves to assess heart movement, pumping function, and structural damage.
  • Coronary angiography uses contrast dye and X-rays to locate narrowed or blocked coronary arteries.
  • Other imaging or blood tests may be used when needed to clarify the diagnosis or guide treatment.

Diagnosis may begin before all test results return because treatment can be time-sensitive. Clinicians use symptoms, ECG changes, blood-test trends, and imaging together to confirm a heart attack, identify the affected area, and choose treatment.

Treatment & Management

Heart Attack Treatment and Recovery Management

Emergency treatment may include medicines that reduce clotting or dissolve clots, an urgent coronary intervention such as angioplasty and stent placement, or bypass surgery when appropriate. Recovery may involve hospital monitoring, cardiac rehabilitation, prescribed medicines, follow-up visits, and management of blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, diet, and activity. Treatment is individualized, and antiplatelet, cholesterol-lowering, blood-pressure, or other prescribed medicines should not be stopped without medical advice.

Prevention

How to Help Prevent a Heart Attack

  • Do not smoke, and seek support to quit if needed.
  • Control blood pressure and cholesterol through lifestyle changes and prescribed treatment.
  • Manage diabetes and keep recommended blood sugar appointments.
  • Follow a heart-healthy eating pattern that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, and suitable sources of protein.
  • Exercise safely according to your clinician’s advice.
  • Work toward a healthy weight when appropriate for your health and circumstances.
  • Limit alcohol or avoid it if advised by your clinician.
  • Take prescribed medicines as directed.
  • Attend follow-up care and discuss changes in symptoms or heart disease symptoms.

Medication safety

Ask before starting preventive medicines

Do not start aspirin or another preventive medicine on your own. Ask a clinician to review your cardiovascular risk, bleeding risk, current medicines, and the safest prevention plan for you.

Outlook and Prognosis

Heart Attack Outlook and Prognosis

Many people recover from a heart attack and return to meaningful activities. Prognosis varies with how quickly treatment restores blood flow, how much heart muscle was damaged, heart function, complications, age, and other medical conditions. Ongoing control of risk factors can help reduce the chance of another event.

  • Attend cardiac rehabilitation to build strength, confidence, and safe activity habits.
  • Take medicines as prescribed and ask questions before making changes.
  • Monitor and report new or worsening symptoms according to your care plan.
  • Return to activity gradually and follow guidance from your healthcare team.
  • Seek emotional support for anxiety, depression, or concerns about returning to daily life.

Branches

2 topics

Symptoms

6 topics