What is Heart Attack (Myocardial infarction or MI)

Heart attack is when blood and oxygen supply to the heart is cut off. A heart attack causes damage to the heart that cannot be fixed. If you think you are having a heart attack, do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Chest pain. It may feel like:
  • Crushing or squeezing.
  • Tightness, pressure, fullness, or heaviness.
• Pain in the arm, neck, jaw, back, or upper body.
• Shortness of breath.
• Heartburn.
• Indigestion.
• Nausea.
• Cold sweats.
• Feeling tired.
• Sudden lightheadedness.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor. You may need to take medicine:
  • To keep your blood from clotting too easily.
  • To control blood pressure.
  • To lower cholesterol.
  • To control heart rhythms.
• Do not take these medicines unless your doctor says it is okay:
  • NSAIDs.
  • Supplements that have vitamin A, vitamin E, or both.
  • Hormone replacement therapy that has estrogen with or without progestin.

Lifestyle

• Do not use any products that have nicotine or tobacco. This includes cigarettes and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your doctor.
• Avoid secondhand smoke.
• Exercise regularly. Ask your doctor about a cardiac rehab program.
• Eat heart-healthy foods. A diet and nutrition specialist (registered dietitian) can help you form healthy eating habits.
• Stay at a healthy weight.
• Lower your stress level.
• Do not use illegal drugs.

Alcohol use

• Do not drink alcohol if:
  • Your doctor tells you not to drink.
  • You are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant.
• If you drink alcohol, limit how much you have:
  • 0-1 drink a day for women.
  • 0-2 drinks a day for men.
• Know how much alcohol is in your drink. In the U.S., one drink equals one typical bottle of beer (12 oz), one-half glass of wine (5 oz), or one shot of hard liquor (1½ oz).

General instructions

• Work with your doctor to treat other problems you have, like diabetes.
• Get screened for depression, and get treatment if needed.
• Keep your vaccinations up to date. Get the flu shot (influenza vaccination) every year.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your doctor. This is important.

Contact a doctor if:

• You feel sad.
• You have trouble doing your daily activities.

Get help right away if you:

• Have sudden, unexplained discomfort in your:
  • Chest.
  • Arms.
  • Back.
  • Neck.
  • Jaw.
  • Upper body.
• Have shortness of breath.
• Have sudden sweating or clammy skin.
• Feel sick to your stomach (nauseous).
• Throw up (vomit).
• Suddenly get lightheaded or dizzy.
• Feel your heart beating fast.
• Feel your heart skipping beats.
• Have blood pressure that is higher than 180/120.

These symptoms may be an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.

Summary

• A heart attack is when blood and oxygen supply to the heart is cut off.
• You should not take NSAIDs unless your doctor says it is okay.
• Do not smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.
• Exercise regularly. Ask your doctor about a cardiac rehab program.