Heart Attack

Most heart attacks are caused by coronary heart disease, which is when the coronary arteries narrow due to a gradual build-up of fatty material within their walls. If this material becomes unstable, a piece may break off and lead to a blood clot forming.

This clot can block the coronary artery, starving your heart of blood and oxygen and causing damage to the heart muscle - this is a heart attack. It is also called coronary thrombosis.

The symptoms of a heart attack vary from one person to another. There may be a tightness or pain in the chest which may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach. For some people, the pain or tightness is severe, while others may feel nothing more than a mild discomfort.

As well as having chest pain or discomfort symptoms may include light-headedness or dizzyness and shortage of breath. Feeling nauseous or vomiting may be present.

A heart attack is life threatening and the first thing to do is to telephone 999 for an ambulance immediately.