A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or completely blocked. This blockage is typically caused by a buildup of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and other substances in the coronary arteries—a process called atherosclerosis. When one of these plaques ruptures, a blood clot can form, further obstructing blood flow. Without sufficient blood and oxygen, heart muscle cells begin to suffer damage and can die, leading to permanent heart damage or death if not treated promptly

. Common symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort that may feel like pressure, tightness, squeezing, or aching. This pain can radiate to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen. Other symptoms can include cold sweat, fatigue, heartburn or indigestion, lightheadedness, nausea, and shortness of breath. Women may experience atypical symptoms such as sharp pain in the neck, arm, or back, or unusual fatigue

. A heart attack is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment to restore blood flow and minimize heart muscle damage. Delay in treatment increases the risk of severe complications, including heart failure, irregular heartbeats, cardiogenic shock, or sudden cardiac arrest