A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot. The blocked blood flow can cause damage to the heart muscle, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications or even death.
The most common cause of a heart attack is a condition called coronary artery disease, which is the narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Other causes may include a spasm of the coronary artery, a tear in the heart artery, or a blood clot that forms elsewhere in the body and travels to the heart.
Symptoms of a heart attack may include:
Anyone can have a heart attack, but there are certain factors that can increase your risk, including: