A heart attack is the death of the heart muscle caused by a blocked coronary artery. Medically known as a myocardial infarction, a heart attack occurs when a coronary artery is blocked, depriving the heart of blood and oxygen. This deprivation to the heart causes chest pain and pressure, injury to the heart, and possibly death.
Although a heart attack occurs suddenly, the cause may be sudden or gradual. The main cause of heart attack is atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, due to the buildup of plaque caused by cholesterol deposits. If atherosclerosis occurs in the coronary arteries, the gradual narrowing of these arteries begins to have an impact on the heart muscle, eventually leading to a heart attack. Similarly, a blood clot can also create a blockage of a coronary artery ending in the same result.
Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain and pressure, shortness of breath, arm and upper back pain along with possible nausea or vomiting. However, medical experts have estimated that about 25 percent of heart attacks are silent, giving the patient no warning symptoms. This is why routine medical care, including monitoring risk factors and heart health, is important.
Whether a heart attack has severe symptoms or none at all, the damage can be the same. A heart attack is considered a life-threatening emergency and any signs or symptoms, no matter how minor, should be checked by a doctor. Delaying treatment for a heart attack increases the chance of permanent damage and reduced heart function or even death. The longer the heart is deprived of adequate blood flow and oxygen, the more damage is done. If a large enough amount of heart muscle dies, heart failure will result.
In addition, heart muscle injury can also lead to ventricular fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat caused by abnormal electrical activity. If the heart cannot beat and pump blood normally, the blood supply to other parts of the body, including the brain, is cut off. Brain damage can occur in a matter of minutes if you are deprived of the oxygen you need.
Because a heart attack is a serious medical condition, any signs or symptoms should be taken seriously and medical attention should be sought immediately. The heart is a vital muscle that must be taken care of. Talk to your doctor about steps you can take to reduce your risk of heart attack and how to keep your heart healthy.