Heart Attacks

A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked. This can happen if a blood clot forms in a coronary artery, which supplies blood to the heart.

A heart attack can also occur if one of the arteries becomes narrowed or blocked due to a buildup of plaque. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances found in the blood.

If the flow of blood to the heart is blocked, the heart muscle can become damaged or die. Heart attacks can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats. They can also lead to cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops beating.

Heart attacks are a medical emergency. Treatment for a heart attack may include medications. You may also need to have surgery to open blocked arteries.

If you have had a heart attack, it’s important to make lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of having another one. These changes include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.