A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, happens when blood flow to a part of the heart suddenly stops. This prevents oxygen from reaching the heart muscle, and if it isn't treated right away, the muscle can start to get damaged. A blockage in one of the coronary arteries is the most common cause of heart attacks. This usually happens when a clot forms over a broken plaque. This is an emergency that needs to be dealt with right away. Getting treatment right away makes a big difference in limiting damage and speeding up recovery.

Symptoms
The most common sign is chest discomfort, often described as pressure, tightness, or a heavy feeling in the middle of the chest. This could last for a few minutes or come and go. The pain can move to the neck, jaw, back, or arms, especially the left arm. Other signs are shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or a sudden feeling of weakness. Some people, like women, older adults, and people with diabetes, may not have the usual symptoms of severe pain. Instead, they may feel tired or uncomfortable.

Causes
Atherosclerosis, which is when fatty deposits build up in the arteries over time, is the main cause of heart attacks. If one of these plaques breaks, a blood clot can form and completely block the artery. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise are all risk factors. Stress and a family history of the disease can also increase the likelihood of the disease. Heart attacks can happen without any clear warning signs in some cases.

Diagnosis
In an emergency, a diagnosis is done quickly. Doctors use an ECG to detect changes in the heart's electrical activity, and blood tests to identify markers released when the heart muscle is damaged. More imaging may be done to identify the blockage and determine the extent of the damage. Testing and treatment often occur simultaneously because speed is so important.

Treatment
The main goal of treatment is to restore blood flow to the heart as soon as possible. This could mean taking medicine to break up or prevent clots, ease pain, and reduce stress on the heart. Angioplasty is a common procedure that opens up a blocked artery. A stent is often placed during this procedure. Long-term care includes taking medications, making changes to your lifestyle, and often taking part in a cardiac rehabilitation program to lower the risk of future events.