Heart Attack: What Happens

1. Plaque buildup

The first step in the process of a heart attack is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, and other substances. It can build up over time, narrowing the arteries and making it harder for blood to flow through them.

2. Plaque rupture

When plaque builds up to a certain point, it can rupture. This causes a blood clot to form at the site of the rupture. The blood clot can then block the artery completely, cutting off blood flow to the heart.

3. Heart attack

When blood flow to the heart is blocked, the heart muscle begins to die. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting. If the heart attack is severe, it can lead to death.

Symptoms of a heart attack

The most common symptom of a heart attack is chest pain. The pain is often described as pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest. It may also feel like a burning or aching sensation.

Other symptoms of a heart attack include:

* Shortness of breath

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Lightheadedness

* Dizziness

* Pain in the arms, neck, back, or jaw

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment for a heart attack

The treatment for a heart attack depends on the severity of the attack. Treatment options may include:

* Medications to dissolve the blood clot

* Surgery to bypass the blocked artery

* Angioplasty to widen the blocked artery

* Stenting to keep the blocked artery open

Preventing a heart attack

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent a heart attack, including:

* Eating a healthy diet

* Exercising regularly

* Maintaining a healthy weight

* Quitting smoking

* Managing stress

* Controlling blood pressure

* Controlling cholesterol levels

If you have any risk factors for heart disease, it is important to talk to your doctor about how to reduce your risk of a heart attack.