Overview

A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.

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 medication, stents and bypass surgery