Overview
Your heart muscle gets blood from arteries called coronary arteries. Over years, fatty plaque can build up inside them. This is called coronary artery disease, or ischemic heart disease. It's the world's leading cause of death.
A heart attack happens when plaque breaks open and a blood clot blocks the artery. The longer the blockage lasts, the more heart muscle is damaged. Treatment works best in the first hour.
Symptoms
Not every heart attack starts with crushing chest pain. Symptoms can be mild or come and go.
- Chest pain, pressure, squeezing, or fullness
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat
Less common
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling lightheaded or fainting
- Unusual tiredness, sometimes for days
- Feeling like heartburn or indigestion
When to get medical care
Causes
Most heart attacks come from coronary artery disease: plaque in the heart's arteries that breaks open and forms a clot.
Less often, a spasm or tear in a heart artery causes one.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
- It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.
Who is more likely to get it
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Extra weight and not being active
- Older age and family history
Possible complications
- Heart failure: A weakened heart can't pump well
- Heart rhythm problems: Can be dangerous right after a heart attack
- Sudden cardiac arrest: The heart stops; needs CPR
Diagnosis
In the emergency room, doctors act fast to find and open a blocked artery.
Questions you may be asked
- When your symptoms started
- What the pain feels like and where it spreads
- Your history of heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure
The exam
They'll check your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
Tests
Common tests:
- ECG: Shows heart damage and which kind of heart attack it is.
- Blood tests (troponin): Find a protein that leaks from damaged heart muscle.
- Cardiac catheterization: A thin tube and dye show blocked arteries, which can often be opened right away.
Treatment
The goal is to restore blood flow as fast as possible.
Self-care
- Call 911. Don't drive yourself.
- Chew an aspirin if 911 tells you to and you aren't allergic
- Take nitroglycerin if your doctor prescribed it
- After a heart attack, join cardiac rehab to rebuild strength safely
Medicines
After a heart attack, most people take several medicines long term.
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Blood thinners (antiplatelets) | Preventing new clots | Can raise bleeding risk. Don't stop without asking your cardiologist. |
| Statins | Lowering cholesterol and stabilizing plaque | Tell your doctor about muscle pain. |
| Beta blockers | Easing the heart's work | Don't stop suddenly. |
| ACE inhibitors or ARBs | Protecting the heart muscle | Not safe in pregnancy. |
OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.
Doctors may open the artery with a balloon and a small mesh tube (stent), use clot-busting medicine, or do bypass surgery. Afterward, daily medicines and heart-healthy habits help prevent another one.
How it compares
| Heart attack | Angina | Panic attack | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pain | Pressure or squeezing that lasts | Pressure with activity | Tight chest with fear |
| Goes away with rest | No | Usually, in minutes | Within 20 to 30 minutes |
| What to do | Call 911 | See a doctor soon; 911 if it lasts | Get checked if unsure |
Prevention
You can lower your risk:
- Don't smoke
- Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in range
- Be active most days
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Stay at a healthy weight
Which doctor treats this
- Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
- They may send you to a cardiologist (heart doctor).
Living with it
Support groups and helplines
- American Heart Association: Plain-language heart information and a support network for patients.
Back to school, work, or sports
- Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Women: Are more likely to have shortness of breath, nausea, back or jaw pain, and tiredness, sometimes without chest pain.
- People with diabetes: May have mild or no chest pain.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- This condition needs closer checkups during pregnancy. Plan ahead with your doctor.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
For caregivers
- Go to visits when you can and take notes.
- Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
- Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
- Learn CPR. Many hospitals and the Red Cross offer classes.
- Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.
Outlook
Most people recover and return to their usual activities, especially with fast treatment, cardiac rehab, and daily medicines.
Myths and facts
Myth: Heart attacks always cause crushing chest pain.
Fact: Women and older adults may have shortness of breath, nausea, or back pain instead.
Getting ready for your visit
After a heart attack, follow-up visits are important.
What to bring
- Your hospital discharge papers
- All your medicines
- Questions about activity, work, and sex
Questions to ask
- When can I go back to work and drive?
- Should I join cardiac rehab?
- What should my cholesterol and blood pressure goals be?
- What do I do if chest pain comes back?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.