A heart attack (also known as a myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is interrupted. Blockage of the coronary artery deprives the heart muscle of blood and oxygen, causing injury to a part the heart muscle. This injury causes severe chest pain and chest pressure sensation. If the flow of the blood is not restored within 20 to 40 minutes, irreversible death of the heart muscle begins to occur. The muscle continues to die for six to eight hours at which time the heart attack is complete.

Causes of Heart Attack

Most of the heart attacks are a result of coronary artery disease (CAD).The CAD is build up over time with material called plaque on the inner walls of the coronary arteries. Eventually, a section of plaque can break open, causing a blood clot to form at the site. The heart attack may occur if the clot becomes large enough to cut off most or all of the blood flow through the artery.

Heart attack can also occur due to problems with the very small, microscopic blood vessels of the heart. This condition is known as microvascular disease. This condition is more common in women than in men.

Another cause of heart attack is a severe spasm (tightening) of a coronary artery that cuts off blood flow. Most of the time it is not clear what causes a coronary artery spasm, but it can be related to:

• Taking certain drugs, such as cocaine
• Emotional stress or pain
• Exposure to extreme cold
• Cigarette smoking

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of heart attack may include:

• Chest pain associated with shortness of breath
• Profuse sweating
• Nausea

Chest pain may be described as tightness, fullness, a pressure or severe ache. Unfortunately, some people may not experience such symptoms. The other symptoms may include:

• Indigestion
• Jaw ache
• Pain only in the shoulders or arms
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea and vomiting

Prevention

While the individual cannot control their family history and genetics, they can minimize risk factors for heart disease. Some of the preventive measures that one should follow are listed below:

• Quit smoking
• Manage high blood pressure
• Manage cholesterol
• Manage diabetes
• Exercise regularly
• Take a baby aspirin a day

Develop emergency plan to handle emergency situation when chest pain occurs. Always make certain family members know how to activate the emergency response system during an emergency.