Source: https://www.epainassist.com What is Heart Attack? Heart attack, it happens when there is a sudden and complete blockage of an artery that supplies blood to your heart. This also results in patients experiencing chest pain. During a heart attack, oxygenated blood supply that normally nourishes the heart is cut off and the heart muscle begins to die. Other medical terms used for a heart attack include myocardial infarction, coronary thrombosis, and cardiac infarction. If one believes that one is having the symptoms of a heart attack, person should call 911 immediately and seek medical attention. Heart attack is a medical emergency. What Are The Symptoms of Heart Attack? The most common signs and symptoms of heart attack include the following: •Pain, pressure, tightness or aching sensation in your chest or arms that may spread to your neck, jaw or back. •Shortness of breath •Cold sweat •Nausea, indigestion, heartburn or abdominal pain •Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness •Fatigue Not all people suffering from heart attack may have same symptoms, often symptoms differ from patient to patient due to their medical conditions. What Causes a Heart Attack? Heart attack occurs when plaque builds up along the course of an artery and narrows the channel through which blood flows to the heart. The plaque which blocks the heart is made up of cholesterol buildup and eventually may harden or calcify with calcium deposits. During heart attack, the patients often complain of severe chest pain. This pain is called angina. This is a medical emergency and should seek medical attention on emergency basis; otherwise, it leads to death of the patient. What Are The Risk Factors of Heart Attack? The following factors are associated with increased risk of a heart attack include: Age: Heart attacks usually occur in men and women at the age of over 45 and 55 respectively. High Cholesterol Levels: These can augment the chance of blood clots in the arteries. Angina: It causes chest pain due to lack of blood supply or oxygen to the heart. Diabetes: It can increase the risk of heart attack. Diet: Consuming high quantities of saturated fats will increase the chances of a heart attack. Obesity: Significant overweight can surely put pressure on the heart. Physical inactivity is a factor that significantly increases heart attack risk, and the more active people are, the lower is their risk of having a heart attack. In addition to the above risk factors of heart attack, many more factors may also affect the risk of heart attack, please contact your cardiologist for more details. Related Articles: Heart Attack or Myocardial Infarction (MI): http://www.epainassist.com/chest-pain/heart/heart-attack-or-myocardial-infarction-mi Chest Pain or Tightness: http://www.epainassist.com/chest-pain/chest-pain-or-tightness Myocarditis or Inflammation of Heart Muscles: http://www.epainassist.com/chest-pain/heart/myocarditis-or-inflammation-of-heart-muscles Costosternal Syndrome or Costochondritis or Chest Wall Pain: http://www.epainassist.com/chest-pain/costosternal-syndrome-or-costochondritis-or-chest-wall-pain Follow us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Epainassistcom-370683123050810/?ref=hl https://www.facebook.com/painassist/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel Twitter: https://twitter.com/ePainAssist G+: https://plus.google.com/+Epainassist Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/epainassist Subscribe for more Health & Fitness Related Videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/epainassist1?sub_confirmation=1