Overview During a heart attack, the blood supply that normally nourishes the heart with oxygen is cut off and the heart muscle begins to die. Heart attacks — also called myocardial infarctions — are very common in the United States. In fact, it’s estimated that one happens every 40 seconds . Some people who are having a heart attack have warning signs, while others show no signs. Some symptoms that many people report are: chest pain

upper body pain

sweating

nausea

fatigue

trouble breathing A heart attack is a serious medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attentionif you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms that could signal a heart attack.

Causes There are a few cardiac conditions that can cause heart attacks. One of the most common causes is plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis) that prevents blood from getting to the heart muscle. Heart attacks can also be caused by blood clots or a torn blood vessel. Less commonly, a heart attack is caused by a blood vessel spasm.

Risk factors A number of factors can put you at risk for a heart attack. Some factors you can’t change, such as age and family history. Other factors, called modifiable risk factors, are ones you can change. Risk factors that you can’t change include: Age. If you’re over age 65, your risk for having a heart attack is greater.

If you’re over age 65, your risk for having a heart attack is greater. Sex. Men are more at risk than women.

Men are more at risk than women. Family history. If you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes, you’re more at risk.

If you have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes, you’re more at risk. Race. People of African descent have a higher risk. Modifiable risk factors which you can change include: smoking

high cholesterol

obesity

lack of exercise

diet and alcohol consumption

stress

Diagnosis A diagnosis of a heart attack is made by a doctor after they perform a physical exam and review your medical history. Your doctor will likely conduct an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor your heart’s electrical activity. They should also take a sample of your blood or perform other tests to see if there’s evidence of heart muscle damage.

Tests and treatments If your doctor diagnoses a heart attack, they’ll use a variety of tests and treatments, depending on the cause. Your doctor may order a cardiac catheterization. This is a probe that’s inserted into your blood vessels through a soft flexible tube called a catheter. It allows your doctor to view areas where plaque may have built up. Your doctor can also inject dye into your arteries through the catheter and take an X-ray to see how the blood flows, as well as view any blockages. If you’ve had a heart attack, your doctor may recommend a procedure (surgery or nonsurgical). Procedures can relieve pain and help prevent another heart attack from occurring. Common procedures include: Angioplasty. An angioplasty opens the blocked artery by using a balloon or by removing the plaque buildup.

An angioplasty opens the blocked artery by using a balloon or by removing the plaque buildup. Stent. A stent is a wire mesh tube that’s inserted into the artery to keep it open after angioplasty.

A stent is a wire mesh tube that’s inserted into the artery to keep it open after angioplasty. Heart bypass surgery. In bypass surgery, your doctor reroutes the blood around the blockage.

In bypass surgery, your doctor reroutes the blood around the blockage. Heart valve surgery. In valve replacement surgery, your leaky valves are replaced to help the heart pump.

In valve replacement surgery, your leaky valves are replaced to help the heart pump. Pacemaker. A pacemaker is a device implanted beneath the skin. It’s designed to help your heart maintain a normal rhythm.

A pacemaker is a device implanted beneath the skin. It’s designed to help your heart maintain a normal rhythm. Heart transplant. A transplant is performed in severe cases where the heart attack has caused permanent tissue death to most of the heart. Your doctor may also prescribe medications to treat your heart attack, including: aspirin

drugs to break up clots

antiplatelet and anticoagulants, also known as blood thinners

painkillers

nitroglycerin

blood pressure medication Doctors who treat heart attacks Since heart attacks are often unexpected, an emergency room doctor is usually the first to treat them. After the person is stable, they’re transferred to a doctor that specializes in the heart, called a cardiologist. Alternative treatments Alternative treatments and lifestyle changes can improve your heart health and reduce your risk of a heart attack. A healthy diet and lifestyle are essential in maintaining a healthy heart.

Complications Several complications are associated with heart attacks. When a heart attack occurs, it can disrupt your heart’s normal rhythm, potentially stopping it altogether. These abnormal rhythms are known as arrhythmias. When your heart stops getting a supply of blood during the heart attack, some of the tissue can die. This can weaken the heart and later cause life-threatening conditions such as heart failure. Heart attacks can also affect your heart valves and cause leaks. The amount of time it takes to receive treatment and the area of damage will determine the long-term effects on your heart.