What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. The most common cause of a heart attack is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart.

Symptoms of a heart attack can include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and pain or discomfort in other areas of the body, such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.

If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Time is of the essence in treating a heart attack, as the longer the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen, the more damage can occur. Treatment for a heart attack may include medications to break up or dissolve the blockage in the coronary artery, as well as procedures to restore blood flow to the heart, such as angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery.

It is important to take steps to reduce the risk of a heart attack, such as by maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, not smoking, and managing conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Dr. Krishnan is a board certified interventional cardiologist and has taken care of thousands of patients experiencing various types of heart attack or MI in his career. His goal, however, is to always prevent one!