A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, or coronary thrombosis, is when part of the heart muscle dies because it has been starved of oxygen.
A heart attack usually occurs when a blood clot forms in one of the coronary arteries (the blood vessels that lead to the heart muscle), blocking the blood supply to the heart. A blockage can also sometimes be caused by a spasm (sudden narrowing) of a coronary artery.
A heart attack often causes severe and crushing pain in the middle of the chest. This pain may then travel from the chest to the neck, jaw, ears, arms and wrists. The person may also be cold and clammy, and their skin may appear pale and grey in colour.
Risk factors
A heart attack is much more likely to occur when your arteries have become narrowed. This usually happens over a period of many years. The arteries are often narrowed by fatty deposits that form on the artery walls. There are a number of factors that can increase the risk of these fatty deposits forming. Smoking, high blood pressure, poor diet, lack of exercise and obesity are all contributing factors.
Who is affected?
Approximately six in 1,000 men in the UK aged between 30-69 years, have a heart attack each year. For women, the figure is lower, at two in 1,000. Men are three times more likely to suffer from a heart attack than women. A heart attack can cause serious complications and be potentially fatal. Half of those who die do so from cardiac arrest (when the heart stops completely) within three to four hours of the start of the attack.
After a heart attack
Many people can make a full recovery after a heart attack. Most will be able to return to work and resume their daily activities after completing their rehabilitation.
As everyone who experiences a heart attack will face different difficulties and challenges, there is no set length of recovery period. A wide range of health professionals will provide you with all the help, support and guidance that you need during your rehabilitation process.
If you suspect that someone is having a heart attack, or you are experiencing the symptoms of a heart attack, make sure you seek medical attention immediately. The sooner the treatment is received, the more effective it will be and the greater the chance of survival.
