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Heart attack

Also called: myocardial infarction
A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.
  • Requires a medical diagnosis
  • Lab tests or imaging often required
  • Treatable by a medical professional
  • Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
  • Critical: needs emergency care
A heart attack is a medical emergency. A heart attack usually occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart. Without blood, tissue loses oxygen and dies.
Symptoms include tightness or pain in the chest, neck, back, or arms, as well as fatigue, lightheadedness, abnormal heartbeat, and anxiety. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms than men.
Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and cardiac rehabilitation to medications, stents, and bypass surgery.
Very common: More than 3 million US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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