Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
A blocked heart artery cuts off blood to part of the heart muscle, which starts to die. It is a medical emergency — every minute counts.
Causes & risk factors
- A blood clot on a ruptured plaque in a heart artery
- Severe coronary artery disease
- Smoking, diabetes, high BP and cholesterol
- Rarely, spasm of a heart artery
Common symptoms
Tests & diagnosis
Treatment & management
- Call your local emergency number immediately
- Emergency angioplasty and stenting to open the artery
- Clot-busting drugs if angioplasty is not quickly available
- Blood thinners and other heart-protective medicines
- Cardiac monitoring and later cardiac rehabilitation
When to see a doctor urgently
- Call your local emergency number now for chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
- Do not drive yourself — wait for the ambulance
- Chew aspirin only if advised by emergency services
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about heart attack (myocardial infarction). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do while waiting for the ambulance?
Sit or lie down, stay calm, and take aspirin only if emergency services advise it. Do not eat or drive.
Can a heart attack feel mild?
Yes — especially in women, older people and those with diabetes, symptoms can be subtle, so do not ignore them.
Explore more
MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.