A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked, usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in the heart. The blockage can cause a part of the heart muscle to die because it isnt getting enough blood flow. The symptoms of a heart attack can vary, but common ones include chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing, or aching, pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth, or sometimes the upper belly, cold sweat, fatigue, heartburn or indigestion, lightheadedness or sudden dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. In some cases, a heart attack requires cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or an electrical shock (defibrillation) to the heart to get the heart pumping again. If blood flow isnt restored quickly, a heart attack can cause permanent heart damage and death.

Complications associated with heart attacks include irregular or atypical heart rhythms (arrhythmias), cardiogenic shock, and cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest may be reversed if CPR is performed and a defibrillator is used within minutes to shock the heart and restore a normal heart rhythm. The chances of surviving a heart attack are better the sooner emergency treatment begins.

Its important to know the risk factors for heart attack and take steps to eliminate or reduce them. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, smoking, obesity, diabetes, family history of heart disease, and age. Its never too late to take steps to prevent a heart attack, even if youve already had one.