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Heart attack (myocardial infarction)

A heart attack happens when injury to heart muscle results from an acute interruption or severe reduction in coronary blood flow, commonly after rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and clot formation.

At a glance

Quick facts

Category
Cardiovascular disorders
What it is
A heart attack happens when injury to heart muscle results from an acute interruption or severe reduction in coronary blood flow, commonly after rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and clot formation.
Typical presentation
Prolonged chest pressure or tightness, breathlessness, sweating, nausea or pain radiating to the jaw, back or arm can occur.
Assessment
Emergency ECGs, serial cardiac troponin tests and clinical assessment guide diagnosis.
Treatment approach
Emergency treatment aims to restore blood flow and limit damage, often including urgent angiography or reperfusion when indicated, followed by prevention and rehabilitation.
Key safety concern
Suspected heart attack is an emergency: call local emergency services immediately rather than driving yourself or waiting for symptoms to settle.

Names & terminology

Understanding the name

A heart attack happens when injury to heart muscle results from an acute interruption or severe reduction in coronary blood flow, commonly after rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and clot formation.

Clinical reference

Clinical profile

Summary
CategoryCardiovascular disorders
What it isA heart attack happens when injury to heart muscle results from an acute interruption or severe reduction in coronary blood flow, commonly after rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and clot formation.
Typical presentationProlonged chest pressure or tightness, breathlessness, sweating, nausea or pain radiating to the jaw, back or arm can occur.
AssessmentEmergency ECGs, serial cardiac troponin tests and clinical assessment guide diagnosis.
Treatment approachEmergency treatment aims to restore blood flow and limit damage, often including urgent angiography or reperfusion when indicated, followed by prevention and rehabilitation.
Key safety concernSuspected heart attack is an emergency: call local emergency services immediately rather than driving yourself or waiting for symptoms to settle.

Overview

A heart attack happens when injury to heart muscle results from an acute interruption or severe reduction in coronary blood flow, commonly after rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and clot formation.

Symptoms and presentation

Prolonged chest pressure or tightness, breathlessness, sweating, nausea or pain radiating to the jaw, back or arm can occur. Presentations vary, and some people have little chest pain.

CLINICAL FEATURES

Presentation and warning signs

The pattern varies and cannot replace an individual assessment.

Clinical overview
Presentation
  • Prolonged chest pressure or tightness
  • breathlessness
  • sweating
  • nausea or pain radiating to the jaw
Clinical assessment
  • Emergency ECGs, serial cardiac troponin tests and clinical assessment guide diagnosis
  • Interpret results with history and examination
When to seek urgent care
  • Suspected heart attack is an emergency: call local emergency services immediately rather than driving yourself or waiting for symptoms to settle.

Emergency symptoms and clinical severity should be assessed locally.

Clinical assessment and diagnosis

Emergency ECGs, serial cardiac troponin tests and clinical assessment guide diagnosis. No home symptom checklist can safely exclude a heart attack.

ASSESSMENT

How the clinical assessment proceeds

Exact investigations depend on the clinical context.

Clinical workflow
1Define the symptom patternProlonged chest pressure or tightness, breathlessness, sweating, nausea or pain radiating to the jaw, back or arm can occur. Presentations vary, and some people have little chest pain.
2Assess disease or alternative causesEmergency ECGs, serial cardiac troponin tests and clinical assessment guide diagnosis. No home symptom checklist can safely exclude a heart attack.
3Discuss care and monitoringEmergency treatment aims to restore blood flow and limit damage, often including urgent angiography or reperfusion when indicated, followed by prevention and rehabilitation.

Treatment and management

Emergency treatment aims to restore blood flow and limit damage, often including urgent angiography or reperfusion when indicated, followed by prevention and rehabilitation.

Treatment & care hub

Elements of care

Individual treatment is based on diagnosis, comorbidities and clinician assessment.

Management overview
Confirm diagnosisFirst step

Understand the underlying condition

Emergency ECGs, serial cardiac troponin tests and clinical assessment guide diagnosis. No home symptom checklist can safely exclude a heart attack.

Tailor treatmentIndividualized

Choose evidence-based management

Emergency treatment aims to restore blood flow and limit damage, often including urgent angiography or reperfusion when indicated, followed by prevention and rehabilitation.

Monitor safetyImportant

Recognize warning signs

Suspected heart attack is an emergency: call local emergency services immediately rather than driving yourself or waiting for symptoms to settle.

Diagnosis→Tailored care→Monitoring

Complications and when to seek help

Suspected heart attack is an emergency: call local emergency services immediately rather than driving yourself or waiting for symptoms to settle.

EVIDENCE AND DATA

Interpreting population statistics

Comparable, disease-specific prevalence or incidence data have not yet been curated for this entry. No prevalence estimate is supplied.

MedlinePlus Health Topics ↗
Data availabilityNot quantifiedUse condition-specific epidemiology, not estimated figures
No unsupported regional or country comparison is presented.

Frequently asked questions

What is Heart attack (myocardial infarction)?

A heart attack happens when injury to heart muscle results from an acute interruption or severe reduction in coronary blood flow, commonly after rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and clot formation.

How is it assessed?

Emergency ECGs, serial cardiac troponin tests and clinical assessment guide diagnosis. No home symptom checklist can safely exclude a heart attack.

When should I seek urgent help?

Suspected heart attack is an emergency: call local emergency services immediately rather than driving yourself or waiting for symptoms to settle.

Sources

  1. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine — Heart attack (myocardial infarction) — health topic ↗

This is an editorial evidence summary awaiting independent clinician review. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment plan, or a substitute for personalized medical care.