What is a Heart Attack (also called an Acute Myocardial Infarction or MI)?
A heart attack is a complete blockage of blood flow in a coronary artery. The blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching part of the heart muscle. Usually a blood clot or piece of plaque (fatty deposits called atherosclerosis) causes the blockage in the heart artery. When blood cannot reach this part of the heart muscle, the muscle may become permanently damaged. The faster you get to a hospital for treatment, the less damage to your heart. If you wait too long, the condition can be fatal. More than one million Americans have a heart attack every year. Better treatment options and community awareness have decreased mortality rates over the years. Yet, lack of recognition or a disregard for the warning signs of a heart attack is still a major cause of death. In the event of a heart attack, every second counts. What are the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack? The warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack are gender-specific, meaning men and women have very different f
