A myocardial infarction (MI), commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when a sudden blockage in one of the coronary (heart) arteries severely reduces or completely cuts off the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle (myocardium). If this reduced blood flow continues for more than a few minutes, heart tissue begins to die.

What Causes a Heart Attack?

A blocked coronary artery is primarily caused by the buildup of plaque that narrows the vessel over time. Plaque consists of cholesterol, fat and other substances.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

• Chest pain or pressure (may feel like squeezing or heaviness)
• Pain in the arm, jaw, neck, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Nausea, sweating, or dizziness

Less frequently, people may feel pain in the abdomen, often mistaken for indigestion. About one-third of heart attack victims do not experience chest pain at all. This is particularly common among women, older individuals (over 75 years old), people with diabetes, and those who have previously had a stroke or heart failure.

Risk Factors for Heart Attack

Certain factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack, including:

•  Older age
•  Male sex
•  Family history of early coronary artery disease (death from coronary artery disease in a first-degree relative before age 55 in males or age 65 in females)
•  High blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
•  Low blood levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
•  Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2
•  Smoking, including secondhand exposure
•  Obesity
•  Physical inactivity

Understanding these risk factors can help in preventing a heart attack, especially when lifestyle changes and preventive measures are adopted.

Preventing a Heart Attack: Healthy Lifestyle Changes

While you can’t change some risk factors such as age or family history, there are several behaviors you can change to significantly lower your risk of a heart attack. These include:

1. Adopt a Healthy Diet:

•  Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods.
•  Reduce intake of fats, particularly from meats, dairy, and processed foods (such as frozen meals). Consult with your doctor for personalized advice on healthy fats.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight:

• Losing weight, if necessary, can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

3. Stay Physically Active:

• Regular exercise, including activities like walking or weight training, helps improve cardiovascular health.

4. Quit Smoking and Avoid Substance Abuse:

5. Take Medications as Prescribed:

• If you’ve been prescribed medications for conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, take them as directed by your healthcare provider.

What to Do if You Think You’re Having a Heart Attack

If you suspect that you are experiencing a heart attack, prompt action is critical. The most important thing to do is:

•  Call emergency services/ for help and head to the nearest emergency department immediately.
•  Chew on an aspirin (if advised by your healthcare provider), as it may help to prevent further blood clotting while you await medical attention.

Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors will take immediate action to open the blocked artery and save as much heart muscle as possible as well as treat the underlying problem that caused the heart attack.