What classifies as a heart attack?

What classifies as a heart attack?

A heart attack happens when the flow of oxygen-rich blood in one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply the heart muscle, suddenly becomes blocked, and a section of heart muscle can’t get enough oxygen. The blockage is usually caused when a plaque ruptures.

What best describes a heart attack?

A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked. It’s a circulation problem. With sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. Sudden cardiac arrest is an electrical problem. A heart attack can cause a cardiac arrest.

How do I know if I’ve had a heart attack?

Common heart attack signs and symptoms include: Pressure, tightness, pain, or a squeezing or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back. Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain. Shortness of breath.

How do they diagnose a heart attack?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) is an important test in suspected heart attacks. It should be done within 10 minutes of being admitted to hospital. An ECG measures the electrical activity of your heart. Every time your heart beats, it produces tiny electrical impulses.

What are the reasons for a heart attack?

One of the most common causes is plaque buildup in the arteries ( atherosclerosis ) that prevents blood from getting to the heart muscle. Heart attacks can also be caused by blood clots or a torn blood vessel. Less commonly, a heart attack is caused by a blood vessel spasm.

What does a heart attack commonly result from?

A heart attack results from obstruction of the coronary arteries. The most common cause is a blood clot ( thrombus) that lodges in an area of a coronary artery thickened with cholesterol-containing plaque due to atherosclerosis.

What happens after a mild heart attack?

Common effects after a mild heart attack. Fatigue. After a heart attack, the heart muscle is weakened. The heart could not drive blood to the entire body as efficiently as before. Even though the muscle recovers, engaging in simple daily activities can make the individual feel very tired.

What are the different levels of heart attack?

The three types of heart attacks are: ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) coronary spasm, or unstable angina