What is a heart attack?

A heart attack is the death of part of the heart's muscle tissue as a result of an interruption in blood flow. This interruption can be caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel that supplies the heart, causing oxygen to be supplied to the affected area. This can cause damage to heart tissue, which can result in permanent injury or even tissue death if not treated in time. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, vomiting, cold sweat, and fatigue.

This usually happens when a coronary artery is narrowed or blocked, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the heart muscle. Heart tissue begins to be damaged or die if it doesn't get oxygen within a few minutes.

What can cause a heart attack?

Obesity, smoking, a diet high in saturated fat, stress, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, old age and a family history of heart disease are some of the known risk factors that may contribute to the development of a heart attack.

Types of heart attack

1. Acute myocardial infarction: Occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked, preventing blood and nutrients from reaching the heart muscle. It's the most common form of heart attack and is usually caused by a blood clot.

2. Subacute myocardial infarction: occurs when a coronary artery narrows slowly due to coronary artery disease (CAD). This form of heart attack is less common but may be more difficult to treat.