Key Points

• A heart attack occurs when blood flow to a section of heart muscle becomes blocked. If the flow of blood isn’t restored quickly, the section of heart muscle becomes damaged from lack of oxygen and begins to die.
• Heart attack is a leading killer of both men and women in the United States.
• Today there are excellent treatments for heart attack that can save lives and prevent disabilities. Treatment is most effective when started within 1 hour of the beginning of symptoms.
• Unfortunately, many heart attack victims wait 2 hours or more after their symptoms begin before they seek medical help. This delay can result in lasting heart damage or death.
• If you think you or someone with you is having a heart attack, call 9–1–1 right away.
• Heart attacks occur most often as a result of a condition called coronary artery disease (CAD).
• Heart attack also can be caused by a condition called microvascular disease, which involves the microscopic blood vessels of the heart. Less commonly, a spasm (tightening) of a coronary artery can cause a heart attack.
• Certain risk factors increase the changes of developing CAD and having a heart attack (for example, age, a family history of CAD, smoking, and being overweight or obese). Some risk factors can’t be controlled, while others can.
• The warning signs of heart attack aren’t the same for everyone. However, common signs and symptoms of a heart attack are:
  • Chest discomfort or pain—uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or the chest that can be mild or strong. This discomfort or pain lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
  • Upper body discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath may occur with or before chest discomfort.
  • Other signs include nausea (feeling sick to your stomach), vomiting, lightheadedness or fainting, or breaking out in a cold sweat.
• Treatments for heart attack include medicines and procedures to open blocked arteries (such as angioplasty).
• Lowering your risk for CAD can decrease your chances of having a heart attack (or second heart attack). This usually involves making healthy lifestyle choices and treating conditions related to CAD such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, overweight and obesity, and diabetes.
• Most people are able to return to their normal activities after a heart attack. Ask your doctor when you can resume daily activities such as driving, exercise, work, sexual activity, strenuous activities (for example, running or heavy lifting), and travel.
• Many people survive heart attacks and live active and full lives.