Heart Attack

Definition

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle.

Scientific / Technical Definition

A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, is a medical event that occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries become blocked. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart muscle. If the blood flow is not restored quickly, the affected heart tissue can suffer serious damage or necrosis.

Benefits

• Understanding the risk factors of heart attacks can lead to preventative measures.
• Early treatment of a heart attack can significantly improve survival and recovery outcomes.

Examples

• Managing cholesterol and blood pressure can help prevent heart attacks.
• Eating a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may reduce heart attack risk.

Additional Information

• Known issues: Failure to recognize and treat heart attack symptoms promptly can lead to severe complications, including heart failure or death.

Related Terms

• Cardiovascular Disease

References

• Heart Attack - Mayo Clinic
• Myocardial Infarction - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute