Heart attack
Also called: myocardial infarction
A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging often required
- Treatable by a medical professional
- Short-term: resolves within days to weeks
- Critical: needs emergency care
A heart attack is a medical emergency. A heart attack usually occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart. Without blood, tissue loses oxygen and dies.
Very common: More than 3 million US cases per year
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Sources: Mayo Clinic and others. Learn more
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Sep 22, 2023 · A heart attack happens when something blocks the blood flow to your heart so it can't get the oxygen it needs. It's a medical emergency.