Heart attack - Symptoms causes - Mayo Clinic A heart attack occurs when an artery that sends blood and oxygen to the heart is blocked Fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits build up over time, forming plaques in the heart's arteries If a plaque ruptures, a blood clot can form The clot can block arteries, causing a heart attack During a heart attack, a lack of blood flow causes the tissue in the heart muscle to die
Heart attack symptoms: Know whats a medical emergency Heart attack symptoms can vary widely For instance, you may have only mild chest discomfort while someone else has severe chest pain If you think that you're having a heart attack, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number If you don't have access to emergency medical services, have someone drive you to the nearest hospital
Atrial fibrillation - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic When to see a doctor If you have symptoms of atrial fibrillation, make an appointment for a health checkup You may be referred to a doctor trained in heart diseases, called a cardiologist If you have chest pain, get emergency medical help right away Chest pain could mean that you're having a heart attack
Coronary artery disease - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Coronary artery disease often develops over many years Symptoms are from the lack of blood flow to the heart They may include chest pain and shortness of breath A complete blockage of blood flow can cause a heart attack Treatment for coronary artery disease may include medicines and surgery Eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise and not smoking can help prevent coronary artery
Chest pain - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Chest pain also can be caused by: Panic attack If you feel intense fear with chest pain, you may be having a panic attack Panic attack symptoms also include a fast, pounding heartbeat, fast breathing, a lot of sweating, shortness of breath, nausea and dizziness It can be hard to tell the difference between a heart attack and a panic attack
Stroke - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic High cholesterol Diabetes Obstructive sleep apnea Cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, heart defects, heart infection or irregular heart rhythm, such as atrial fibrillation Personal or family history of stroke, heart attack or transient ischemic attack COVID-19 infection Other factors associated with a higher risk of stroke
Heart failure - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic Some heart conditions slowly leave the heart too weak or stiff to fill and pump blood properly These conditions include narrowed arteries in the heart and high blood pressure Proper treatment may improve the symptoms of heart failure and may help some people live longer Lifestyle changes can improve quality of life
Heart attack - Diagnosis treatment - Mayo Clinic Ideally, a health care provider should screen you during regular checkups for risk factors that can lead to a heart attack A heart attack is often diagnosed in an emergency setting If you've had or are having a heart attack, care providers will take immediate steps to treat your condition If you're able to answer questions, you may be asked about your symptoms and medical history Diagnosis