Heart Attack-Scientific

Explanation

A myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a blood clot or a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries.

This interruption in circulation causes oxygen deprivation in the affected heart tissue, leading to cell death (necrosis). Once heart muscle cells die, the damage is irreversible.

Symptoms typically include:

• Chest pain (often described as tight, squeezing, or heavy),
• Shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweat, or anxiety.

However, in some cases – especially among the elderly or people with diabetes – the infarction can be “silent”, meaning it causes no noticeable symptoms.

Diagnosis involves ECG, elevated cardiac biomarkers (such as troponin), and imaging tests like echocardiography or coronary CT angiography.
Treatment focuses on restoring blood flow as quickly as possible (usually with PCI or thrombolytic therapy) and preventing further complications.

Sources:

1. WHO – Cardiovascular diseases
   
2. Mayo Clinic – Heart Attack
   
3. WebMD – Heart Attack Symptoms, Causes and Diagnosis
   
4. Cleveland Clinic – Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
   

Further reading and reliable medical sources:

• NHS – Heart Attack (UK National Health Service)
  
• PubMed – Scientific Articles on Heart Attack