Myocardial infarction

Description

A blockage of blood flow to the heart. Also called a heart attack.

Overview

A myocardial infarction is a heart attack. It usually happens when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the heart. A heart attack is a medical emergency.

Symptoms

Symptoms include chest pain, tightness, squeezing, aching, or pressure. Pain might be felt in the shoulders, arms, back, neck, jaw, teeth or upper belly. Other symptoms are trouble breathing, upset stomach, heartburn, cold sweats, dizziness and feeling very tired.

Treatments

Emergency treatment is needed to prevent death. Always get medical help right away for chest pain that is sudden or that can't be explained. Treatment includes medicines, oxygen, and a heart procedure or heart surgery to fix blood flow.