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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
- Central chest pain or pressure
- Pain spreading to arm, jaw or back
- Cold sweat
- Breathlessness
- Nausea
- Dizziness or feeling faint
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
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. 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.