A heart attack, is the interruption of blood supply to part of the heart, causing some heart cells to die. This is most commonly due to blockage of a coronary artery. This results in restriction in blood supply and oxygen shortage, if left untreated for a sufficient period of time, can cause damage or death of heart muscle tissue.

Immediate treatment for suspected acute myocardial infarction includes oxygen, aspirin, and sublingual glyceryl trinitrate (also known as nitroglycerin and abbreviated as NTG or GTN). Pain relief is also often given, classically morphine sulfate.

Signs and Symptoms

The onset of symptoms of a heart attack is usually gradual, over several minutes, and rarely instantaneous. Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack and is often described as a sensation of tightness, pressure, or squeezing. Chest pain is due to a lack of blood and hence oxygen supply to the heart muscle. Pain radiates most often to the left arm, but may also radiate to the lower jaw, neck, right arm, back, and upper central region of the abdomen, where it may mimic heartburn. Shortness of breath may also occur because of damage to the heart.