Description
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction,

occurs when an area of heart muscle dies or is permanently damaged due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to that area.

Symptoms
Patients experiencing a heart attack may present with one or several of the following symptoms:

• chest pain or other pain, which radiates from the

  • squeezing or heavy pressure

  • a tight band on the chest

  • "an elephant sitting on [your] chest"

  • bad indigestion

  • anxiety

• chest to arms or shoulder; neck, teeth, or jaw; abdomen or back. the pain can be intense and severe or quite subtle and confusing and can feel like:

• fainting

• feeling of "impending doom"

• lightheadedness - dizziness

• nausea or vomiting

• shortness of breath

• sweating, which may be profuse

Diagnostic Tools
Many tests are used to diagnose a heart attack. Usually, more than one test is required before a definitive diagnosis can be made. These tests may include: 

• physical examination and patient history   

• electrocardiogram (ECG)  

• blood tests (cardiac biomarkers)

• echocardiogram 

• nuclear imaging study (Myocardial perfusion scan)

• coronary angiography  

• left ventriculography

Treatment Options
Both medication and cardiac catheterization with direct angioplasty is considered appropriate treatment for heart attack patients.  Medications used to stop symptoms of a heart attack, may include:

• Aspirin

• Anticoagulants (heparins)

• Thrombolytic therapy

• ACE inhibitors  

• beta blockers  

• nitrates

In some cases or when medications fail, the best treatment is to complete emergency cardiac catheterization and a mechanical treatment such as balloon angioplasty, stenting or open heart surgery to restore blood flow to the damaged heart muscle.

• Balloon angioplasty or stent placement coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) (refer to graphic below)

Important Instructions for Drug-Eluting Stent Patients

• Notify your doctor immediately if you experience chest discomfort, chest pain, or shortness of breath, particularly if the symptoms are new or worsening.

• Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.

• Report any side effects from your medication immediately. Side effects may include bleeding, easy bruising, nausea, vomiting, headache, or rash.

• Do not stop any of your medications unless instructed to do so by your doctor.