A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction (MI), is a life-threatening condition that happens when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. This blockage prevents oxygen from reaching heart tissue, which can cause part of the muscle to be damaged or die. Heart attacks are a major global health problem, and they remain one of the leading causes of death worldwide. 

In this article, we explain what a heart attack is, what causes it, the warning signs to watch for, how it differs in men and women, how doctors diagnose it, and the treatment and prevention options available. We’ll also cover what living with a heart attack looks like and provide resources for patients and families. 

If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 911 (or local emergency services) immediately. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve. 

A heart attack occurs when one or more coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart become blocked. This usually happens due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) that ruptures, causing a blood clot to form. When the artery is blocked, oxygen-rich blood can’t reach the heart muscle, leading to damage or death of heart tissue. 

The primary cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition in which fatty deposits build up inside the coronary arteries. When these deposits rupture, they trigger clot formation that blocks blood flow. Other possible causes include: 

• Blood clots: Sudden clots can fully block a coronary artery, instantly stopping blood supply to part of the heart muscle. This can trigger chest pain and lead to significant tissue damage if not quickly treated. 

• Coronary artery spasm: A temporary tightening of the artery reduces or stops blood flow, often without warning. These spasms can be triggered by smoking, stress, or drug use, and may cause chest pain or even a heart attack. 

• Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD): A tear in the artery wall can block circulation and restrict blood flow to the heart. This rare condition is more common in younger women and can happen even without traditional risk factors. 

• Severe oxygen shortage: Conditions like anemia or very low blood pressure can limit oxygen delivery to the heart muscle. Without enough oxygen, even healthy coronary arteries may not be able to meet the heart’s needs, leading to damage. 

Heart attack symptoms can vary between individuals and may come on suddenly or build gradually. They can sometimes be subtle, while in other cases they are severe and unmistakable. Because symptoms differ, some people may delay seeking help, which can increase the risk of serious complications.  

Common symptoms include: 

• Chest pain or discomfort (pressure, squeezing, heaviness, or fullness that may come and go) 

• Pain radiating to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach 

• Shortness of breath, even without chest discomfort 

• Nausea, vomiting, or cold sweats 

• Lightheadedness or fainting 

• Extreme fatigue or sudden weakness 

A heart attack often feels like crushing chest pressure, squeezing, or heaviness rather than sharp pain. Some people describe it as an elephant sitting on their chest. The discomfort can spread to the shoulder, arm, jaw, or back. Importantly, not everyone has the same experience—some people may have mild symptoms or no chest pain at all. 

Differences Between Men and Women 

Men and women may experience heart attack symptoms differently. Understanding the full range of symptoms is important for both patients and healthcare providers. 

• Men: More likely to have classic chest pain that radiates to the left arm or jaw, often accompanied by sweating, shortness of breath, and a sense of impending doom. 

• Women: More likely to experience less typical symptoms such as nausea, back or jaw pain, shortness of breath, and unusual fatigue. Women may also experience indigestion-like discomfort, sleep disturbances, or anxiety before a heart attack. Women may mistake these signs for the flu, stress, or stomach problems, which can delay care. 

Recognizing these differences is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.  

Doctors diagnose heart attacks using several tools: 

1. Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG): Records the electrical activity of the heart and can quickly detect abnormal rhythms or patterns that suggest a heart attack. It is usually performed immediately in the emergency room to help guide treatment. 

2. Blood tests: Measure cardiac enzymes such as troponin, which rise when the heart muscle is injured.

3. Imaging tests: Echocardiography, coronary angiography, or CT scans may be used to assess blood flow, detect blockages, and heart function. These tests help guide decisions about interventions such as stent placement or surgery. 

Differential Diagnosis for Heart Attack 

Because other conditions can mimic a heart attack, doctors carefully rule them out before confirming the diagnosis. This is important because the treatment for these conditions is different, and missing the true cause could delay life-saving care. Some examples include: 

• Acid reflux (GERD) 

• Anxiety or panic attacks 

• Pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung) 

• Aortic dissection (tear in the aorta) 

• Musculoskeletal chest pain 

Treatment begins immediately in the hospital to restore blood flow and minimize damage to the heart muscle. Quick intervention is essential because every minute without circulation increases the risk of permanent injury.  

Emergency Management 

• Aspirin: May be given by emergency personnel to help prevent further clotting. Patients should only take aspirin right away if directed by emergency services or their doctor. 

• Nitroglycerin: Nitroglycerin may be used to relieve chest pain and widen blood vessels. 

• Oxygen therapy: Given only if oxygen levels in the blood are low. 

• Clot-busting medications (thrombolytics): Break down blood clots that are blocking the artery, improving blood flow to the heart. These medications are sometimes used if angioplasty is not immediately available. 

• Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs: Help reduce the risk of new clots. 

Not every patient will receive each of these treatments; doctors choose based on the individual situation 

Procedures 

• Angioplasty and stent placement: Often the first-line procedure when available quickly. This procedure opens narrowed or blocked arteries with a balloon, and a stent is placed to keep the artery open and maintain blood flow. 

• Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): This surgery is used in select patients, usually in those with multiple blockages or unsuitable anatomy for stenting. In this surgery, blocked arteries are bypassed using vessels taken from elsewhere in the body, allowing blood to flow around the blockage and reach the heart muscle.  

Long-Term Care 

• Medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, statins, and antiplatelet therapy are prescribed based on individual needs. They are used to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, prevent clots, and support long-term heart health. 

• Cardiac rehabilitation programs provide supervised exercise, nutrition guidance, and counseling, helping patients safely rebuild strength and adopt healthier habits after a heart attack. 

• Lifestyle changes, including a heart-healthy diet, regular activity, smoking cessation, and stress management are essential for recovery and prevention. 

Heart attacks may cause serious complications if not treated promptly. Some of the most common and dangerous complications include: 

• Heart failure: Weak heart muscle reduces pumping ability. 

• Arrhythmias: Irregular rhythms may be dangerous or even fatal. 

• Cardiogenic shock: Severe damage prevents the heart from supplying enough blood. 

• Recurrent heart attacks: The same disease process can cause new blockages. 

• Stroke: Clots or reduced circulation may lead to brain damage. 

The outlook after a heart attack depends on how quickly treatment begins, the size of the affected area, and overall health. Some people recover well and return to many normal activities, while others may require long-term care.  

Emotional recovery is also important. Anxiety and depression are common and may benefit from counseling and support groups. Prognosis improves significantly with lifestyle changes, medication adherence, and regular follow-up care. 

Recovery After a Heart Attack 

Recovery after a heart attack is a gradual process that involves multiple aspects of health and well-being. It includes physical, emotional, and social adjustments that help a person return to daily life and reduce the risk of future events. 

• Follow-up care: Regular appointments with a cardiologist for ongoing monitoring. 

• Medication adherence: Taking prescribed medications to prevent recurrence. 

• Cardiac rehabilitation: Structured programs that combine exercise, education, and support. 

• Emotional support: Many survivors experience anxiety or depression, making counseling and support groups helpful. 

Heart attack prevention focuses on lowering the risk of coronary artery disease, which is the most common cause of heart attacks. By addressing lifestyle choices and controlling health conditions, people can significantly reduce their chances of experiencing a cardiac event. Prevention is important at every age, since heart disease can build silently over time and lead to sudden complications. 

• Eating a heart-healthy diet (low in saturated fat, high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables) 

• Regular exercise (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week) 

• Quitting smoking 

• Controlling blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar 

• Maintaining a healthy weight 

• Reducing stress and getting enough sleep 

A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires fast action. Recognizing the warning signs, calling emergency services right away, and following through with treatment can save lives and prevent complications.  

With the right care and lifestyle changes, many people go on to live healthy, fulfilling lives after a heart attack. Recovery looks different for each person and ongoing  follow-up with healthcare providers is essential. 

1. American Heart Association. “Heart Attack Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” 

2. Mayo Clinic. “Heart Attack – Symptoms and Causes.” 

3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). “Heart Attack.” 

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Heart Disease Facts.”