Diagnosis & treatment

Heart Attacks

A heart attack, known medically as an acute myocardial infarction or MI, is most often caused by a blood clot forming in an artery where coronary artery disease is present. Coronary artery disease comes from a build-up of fatty deposits on the inner wall of arteries supplying the heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. Blood and nutrients are not able to reach the heart muscle below the blockage and heart muscle dies. The seriousness of a heart attack depends on the amount and extent of damage (dead tissue).

Irreparable heart damage may occur within a very short time after the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen. If you suspect you may be having a heart attack or witness someone with the following warning signs, don't hesitate. Get to a hospital immediately. Prompt treatment with clot busting drugs or a cardiac catheterization can often greatly reduce damage to the heart.

Heart Attack Symptoms / Warning Signs
The American Heart Association says the body likely will send one or more of these warning signals of a heart attack:

• Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest lasting more than a few minutes.
• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms.
• Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.

Not all of these signs occur in every attack. Sometimes they go away and return. Women often experience less dramatic symptoms than men do, but a heart attack for a woman is every bit as serious. If some occur, get help fast. If you think you are having a heart attack, call your emergency medical system (911) immediately. If you notice one or more of these signs in another person, don't wait. Call your emergency medical services and get to a hospital right away!

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Last revised: May 22, 2007 (dh)

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