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Heart attack

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

  • Life-threatening medical emergency
  • Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked
  • Requires immediate hospital treatment
  • Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea
  • Call emergency services for severe symptoms

Overview

A heart attack happens when the blood supply to a part of your heart is suddenly cut off, usually by a blood clot. This can damage the heart muscle and is a life-threatening condition that needs urgent medical attention. Immediate treatment in a hospital is crucial to restore blood flow and minimize heart damage. This may involve medicines or procedures to open blocked arteries. After a heart attack, long-term care includes medications and lifestyle changes to support recovery and prevent future events. Recovery time varies for each person.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Chest pain (crushing or squeezing)
  • Pain spreading to arm, neck, or jaw
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
  • Indigestion-like feeling or burning chest
  • Sweating
  • Pale, blue, or grey skin

Things That Increase the Risk

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Family history of heart attack
  • Diabetes
  • Overweight or obesity

Diagnosis

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Blood tests
  • Echocardiogram (to check heart damage)
  • Coronary angiogram (to locate blockage)

Treatment & Management

  • Emergency hospital treatment
  • Medicines to improve blood flow
  • Coronary angioplasty (stent placement)
  • Coronary artery bypass surgery
  • Long-term medications (e.g., antiplatelets, statins)
  • Cardiac rehabilitation programs

Prevention

  • Stop smoking
  • Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
  • Control blood pressure
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Reduce salt and saturated fat intake
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Exercise regularly
  • Reduce alcohol consumption

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Heart attack:

Heart Attack Treatment

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View treatment

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Heart attack:

Coronary Angioplasty

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View surgery

Contents

Quick Info

Affects

Heart's blood flow

Prevalence

Common, especially with risk factors

Diagnosis

ECG, blood tests

Treatment

Emergency care, angioplasty, bypass

Medically Reviewed

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Reviewed on July 3, 2026

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