Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) typically occurs when plaques formed by the fatty deposits in the arteries rupture. This causes a blood clot to form, which may block blood flow to an area of the heart muscle, weakening the heart's pumping ability and often leaving permanent damage. If the damage is significant, it can lead to a weakened heart muscle.[1] The blockage might be complete or partial. A ‘STEMI’ heart attack (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) refers to a complete blockage of a coronary artery. A partial blockage would be an ‘NSTEMI’ heart attack (non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction).[2]
Symptoms
Don’t wait to get help if you experience any of these signs of a heart attack. Although some heart attacks are sudden and intense, most start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Call 9-1-1 immediately if you feel: [3]
Treatment
Once a heart attack is diagnosed or strongly suspected, treatment begins immediately. Doctors start treatments promptly to try to restore blood flow through the blood vessels supplying the heart. Treatments used during and shortly after a heart attack may include: [4]
Medications
Surgery
Other treatments
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/basics/definition/con-20029801
[2] http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/TreatmentofaHeartAttack/Treatment-of-a-Heart-Attack_UCM_002042_Article.jsp#.WeEWz2cU8dk
[3] http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/HeartAttack/WarningSignsofaHeartAttack/Warning-Signs-of-a-Heart-Attack_UCM_002039_Article.jsp#.WeEWjmcU8dk
[4] https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/heartattack/treatment
[5] https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/heart-failure/oxygen-therapy-for-heart-failure
[6] https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/heartattack/treatment
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