A heart attack, medically known as myocardial infarction (MI), is a life-threatening condition that occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, causing tissue damage or death. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 20 million deaths annually (World Health Organization (WHO), 2023). Early recognition of symptoms and understanding preventive strategies are essential to reducing mortality and long-term complications.
This article explores the causes, symptoms, risk factors and prevention strategies of heart attacks, drawing upon textbooks, peer-reviewed research and reputable health organisations, using the Harvard referencing system and British spelling.
1.0 Understanding a Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, become blocked. The most common cause is atherosclerosis, a process in which fatty deposits (plaques) accumulate within artery walls (Kumar, Abbas and Aster, 2020). If a plaque ruptures, it can trigger the formation of a blood clot that obstructs blood flow.
Without adequate oxygen, heart muscle cells begin to die within minutes. Rapid medical intervention is therefore critical to minimise damage.
2.0 Causes of Heart Attack
2.1 Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
The leading cause of heart attack is coronary artery disease, characterised by narrowing of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup (Libby et al., 2019). Over time, reduced blood flow increases the risk of clot formation and arterial blockage.
2.0 Plaque Rupture and Thrombosis
A heart attack often follows plaque rupture, which exposes underlying tissue and activates clotting mechanisms. The resulting thrombus (blood clot) may partially or completely block the artery.
2.3 Coronary Artery Spasm
In some cases, intense coronary artery spasm temporarily restricts blood flow. This may occur in individuals with variant (Prinzmetal’s) angina and can sometimes lead to myocardial infarction.
2.4 Other Contributing Factors
Less common causes include:
- Severe anaemia
- Drug misuse (e.g., cocaine)
- Coronary artery dissection
- Embolism
However, the majority of cases result from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
3.0 Risk Factors
Heart attack risk increases with both modifiable and non-modifiable factors.
3.1 Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- Age (risk increases after 45 in men and 55 in women)
- Male sex
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
3.2 Modifiable Risk Factors
- Smoking
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Unhealthy diet
- Excessive alcohol consumption
According to the British Heart Foundation (2023), smoking alone doubles the risk of coronary heart disease.
For example, an individual who smokes, has poorly controlled hypertension and consumes a diet high in saturated fat has significantly elevated cardiovascular risk.
4.0 Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Recognising early symptoms can save lives. While presentation varies, common symptoms include:
4.1 Chest Pain or Discomfort
The hallmark symptom is central chest pain, often described as pressure, tightness, squeezing or heaviness. The pain may radiate to the left arm, neck, jaw or back (NHS, 2023).
4.2 Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing may accompany chest discomfort or occur independently.
4.3 Nausea and Vomiting
Some individuals experience gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly women.
4.4 Sweating and Dizziness
Profuse sweating, light-headedness and fainting may occur.
4.5 Atypical Symptoms
Women, older adults and individuals with diabetes may present with atypical symptoms, such as:
- Fatigue
- Indigestion-like discomfort
- Mild chest discomfort
- Unexplained weakness
The NHS (2023) emphasises that symptoms can vary and should never be ignored.
5.0 Immediate Action: Why Time Matters
Heart muscle begins to suffer irreversible damage within 20–30 minutes of blocked blood flow. Prompt treatment, such as thrombolysis or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), can restore circulation and significantly reduce mortality (Libby et al., 2019).
Anyone experiencing suspected heart attack symptoms should call emergency services immediately.
6.0 Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect electrical abnormalities
- Blood tests measuring cardiac biomarkers (e.g., troponin)
- Imaging studies
Elevated troponin levels indicate heart muscle damage.
7.0 Complications
Untreated or severe heart attacks may result in:
- Heart failure
- Arrhythmias
- Cardiogenic shock
- Sudden cardiac death
Early intervention greatly reduces these risks.
8.0 Prevention Strategies
Preventing heart attacks involves addressing modifiable risk factors and promoting cardiovascular health.
8.1 Healthy Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats reduces cholesterol levels and inflammation (WHO, 2023).
Reducing saturated fat, trans fat and salt intake lowers cardiovascular risk.
8.2 Regular Physical Activity
The WHO (2022) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Physical activity improves blood pressure, cholesterol and insulin sensitivity.
For example, brisk walking for 30 minutes five times weekly significantly reduces risk.
8.3 Smoking Cessation
Stopping smoking rapidly lowers cardiovascular risk. Within one year of quitting, the risk of heart disease decreases substantially (British Heart Foundation, 2023).
8.4 Blood Pressure and Cholesterol Control
Regular monitoring and treatment of hypertension and hyperlipidaemia are essential. Statins reduce cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular events (Libby et al., 2019).
8.5 Diabetes Management
Effective blood sugar control reduces vascular damage and heart attack risk.
8.6 Stress Management
Chronic stress may contribute to hypertension and unhealthy coping behaviours. Mindfulness, adequate sleep and relaxation techniques support heart health.
8.9 Secondary Prevention
Individuals who have already experienced a heart attack require long-term management, including:
- Antiplatelet medication
- Beta-blockers
- ACE inhibitors
- Lifestyle modification
- Cardiac rehabilitation programmes
Cardiac rehabilitation improves survival and quality of life (NICE, 2020).
A heart attack is a medical emergency caused primarily by coronary artery blockage due to atherosclerosis and clot formation. Recognising early symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness and radiating discomfort is critical for prompt treatment.
While non-modifiable risk factors exist, many heart attacks are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices, risk factor management and early medical intervention. Smoking cessation, balanced nutrition, regular exercise and blood pressure control remain central to prevention.
Public awareness, timely action and evidence-based healthcare are essential in reducing the global burden of cardiovascular disease.
References
British Heart Foundation (2023) Coronary heart disease statistics. Available at: https://www.bhf.org.uk (Accessed: 17 February 2026).
Kumar, V., Abbas, A.K. and Aster, J.C. (2020) Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 10th edn. Philadelphia: Elsevier.
Libby, P., Bonow, R.O., Mann, D.L. and Zipes, D.P. (2019) Braunwald’s Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 11th edn. Philadelphia: Elsevier.
NHS (2023) Heart attack. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk (Accessed: 17 February 2026).
NICE (2020) Myocardial infarction: Cardiac rehabilitation and prevention of further cardiovascular disease. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
World Health Organization (2022) Physical activity guidelines. Available at: https://www.who.int (Accessed: 17 February 2026).
World Health Organization (2023) Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) fact sheet. Available at: https://www.who.int (Accessed: 17 February 2026).
