What Is a Heart Attack? Symptoms, Causes and What to Do in an Emergency

Created: 04.12.2024 · Last Updated: 10.08.2026 · Category: Cardiology · Prepared by the Academic Hospital Web and Editorial Board.

A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle suddenly becomes severely reduced or blocked. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.

If blood flow is not restored quickly, the affected heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen and permanent damage can begin. Recognising possible symptoms and obtaining emergency medical care without delay can limit heart damage and save lives.

Do not wait if you suspect a heart attack. Chest pressure or tightness, pain spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweating or sudden deterioration may require emergency assessment. In Türkiye, call 112 Emergency immediately.

What Is a Heart Attack?

The heart muscle requires a continuous supply of oxygen-rich blood. This blood is delivered through the coronary arteries.

When one of these arteries becomes suddenly blocked or blood flow is severely reduced, part of the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen. If circulation is not restored promptly, heart muscle cells can become damaged and begin to die. This is called a myocardial infarction.

A heart attack is not the same as cardiac arrest. A heart attack is primarily a circulation problem caused by impaired blood flow to the heart muscle. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart's electrical activity becomes severely disrupted and the heart stops pumping blood effectively. A heart attack can sometimes trigger cardiac arrest.

What Causes a Heart Attack?

Most heart attacks are associated with coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.

In atherosclerosis, cholesterol and other substances gradually accumulate in the coronary artery wall and form plaques. If the surface of a plaque ruptures or becomes damaged, a blood clot may develop. This clot can partially or completely block the artery and interrupt blood flow to the heart muscle.

Not every heart attack is caused by typical atherosclerotic plaque obstruction. Less common causes include:

  • Coronary artery spasm: Significant temporary narrowing of a coronary artery
  • Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD): A spontaneous tear within the layers of a coronary artery wall
  • Coronary embolism: A blood clot travelling from another location and becoming lodged in a coronary artery
  • Other less common conditions affecting coronary blood flow

What Are the Risk Factors for a Heart Attack?

Some cardiovascular risk factors can be modified, while others, such as age and family history, cannot be changed.

Modifiable Risk Factors

  • Smoking and tobacco use
  • High blood pressure
  • High LDL cholesterol and other lipid abnormalities
  • Diabetes and high blood glucose
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Physical inactivity
  • An unhealthy diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, sodium or heavily processed foods
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Long-term poorly managed stress and associated unhealthy lifestyle behaviours

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

  • Increasing age
  • Family history of premature coronary artery disease or heart attack
  • Certain genetic factors
Risk factors can have a cumulative effect: Smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes occurring together can substantially increase cardiovascular risk. Assessment should therefore focus on the individual's overall cardiovascular risk profile rather than a single factor.

What Are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?

Heart attack symptoms can vary considerably. Some heart attacks begin suddenly and intensely, while others start gradually with relatively mild discomfort.

Common warning signs include:

  • Chest pressure, tightness, heaviness, fullness or pain: This is often felt in the centre or left side of the chest. It may last for more than a few minutes or disappear and return.
  • Pain or discomfort in one or both arms
  • Pain or discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulders, back or upper abdomen
  • Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
  • Cold sweating
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Sudden or unusual fatigue
  • A rapid or irregular heartbeat sensation
Chest symptoms are not always severe. Some people describe their symptoms as pressure, heaviness, burning or indigestion-like discomfort rather than severe pain. Do not delay seeking emergency assessment while waiting to see whether suspicious symptoms disappear.

Can Heart Attack Symptoms Be Different in Women?

Chest pain or discomfort remains one of the most common heart attack symptoms in women. However, some women may experience symptoms that are less commonly associated with a heart attack.

These may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Back, shoulder, arm or jaw pain
  • Marked unusual fatigue
  • Dizziness or weakness

Older adults and some people with diabetes may also have less typical presentations. A heart attack should therefore not be suspected only when severe chest pain is present.

New chest pressure, pain spreading to the arm or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweating or sudden deterioration may require emergency assessment.

Call 112 in an Emergency

At What Age Can a Heart Attack Occur?

Heart attacks should not be associated with only one age group. Cardiovascular risk generally increases with age, but heart attacks can also occur in younger adults.

Individual risk is influenced by age together with smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, family history and other cardiovascular risk factors.

People with a first-degree relative who developed coronary artery disease at an unusually young age may particularly benefit from early assessment of their own cardiovascular risk factors.

What Should You Do During a Suspected Heart Attack?

Early treatment can limit damage to the heart muscle and may be lifesaving. If symptoms suggest a possible heart attack, do not wait for them to disappear.

  1. Call 112 Emergency immediately in Türkiye.
    Do not try to confirm the diagnosis yourself before activating emergency medical services.
  2. Do not allow the person to drive.
    Emergency medical personnel can begin assessment and treatment before arrival at the hospital and arrange appropriate transport.
  3. Keep the person at rest.
    Avoid unnecessary physical exertion while waiting for emergency medical services.
  4. Do not give medication indiscriminately.
    Aspirin is important in many acute coronary syndromes, but it is not appropriate for everyone because of allergies, bleeding risk and other medical considerations. Follow the instructions of emergency medical personnel or a healthcare professional. Taking aspirin should never delay the emergency call.
  5. If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, consider cardiac arrest.
    Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to emergency dispatcher instructions and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available.

Time is critical during a heart attack. Do not wait for symptoms to resolve, drive yourself to hospital or delay emergency assessment while arranging a routine clinic appointment.

How Is a Heart Attack Diagnosed?

When a heart attack is suspected, assessment is performed urgently. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical findings, electrocardiography and cardiac blood tests.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG records the electrical activity of the heart and can identify changes associated with acute myocardial infarction. It can be obtained rapidly during emergency assessment.

Cardiac Troponin

Cardiac troponin is an important biomarker that can rise when heart muscle injury occurs. Results are interpreted together with symptoms and the ECG, and repeat testing may be required.

Coronary Angiography

Depending on the type of heart attack and the patient's condition, coronary angiography can identify the location of a blocked coronary artery. In appropriate patients, the artery may be opened with balloon angioplasty and a stent during the same procedure.

Echocardiography and other imaging techniques may also be used to assess heart function, regional heart muscle movement and potential complications.

How Is a Heart Attack Treated?

The main objective of heart attack treatment is to restore blood flow to the affected heart muscle as quickly as possible. Treatment depends on the type of myocardial infarction, the location of the obstruction, the time since symptoms began and the patient's overall condition.

Coronary Angiography, Angioplasty and Stenting

In appropriate patients with an acute heart attack, a catheter is advanced to the coronary arteries. The blocked or severely narrowed artery can be opened using a balloon, and a stent may be placed to help keep the artery open. This is known as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Medication

Depending on the clinical situation, treatment may include antiplatelet medication, anticoagulant therapy, cholesterol-lowering medication and other medicines designed to reduce cardiac workload and future cardiovascular risk. Treatment is individualized.

Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Some patterns of coronary artery disease may not be suitable for stent treatment, particularly when several major coronary arteries are significantly affected. Following multidisciplinary assessment, coronary artery bypass grafting may be considered in selected patients.

Care after the acute event is also important. Regular use of prescribed medication, control of cardiovascular risk factors, follow-up and cardiac rehabilitation when appropriate can help reduce the risk of further cardiovascular events.

How Can Heart Attack Risk Be Reduced?

Not every heart attack can be prevented, but controlling modifiable cardiovascular risk factors can substantially reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and future cardiac events.

  • Stop smoking and avoid tobacco products.
  • Monitor and appropriately treat high blood pressure.
  • Have cholesterol levels assessed and treated when indicated.
  • Maintain appropriate blood glucose control if you have diabetes.
  • Follow a heart-healthy eating pattern based on vegetables, fruit, whole grains and appropriate protein sources.
  • Engage in regular physical activity appropriate for your health condition.
  • Maintain a healthy body weight.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Pay attention to sleep and stress management.
  • Do not stop prescribed cardiovascular medications without medical advice.
Do not start daily aspirin for prevention without medical advice. The balance between cardiovascular benefit and bleeding risk varies between individuals. Regular preventive aspirin should therefore be based on a physician's assessment.

Assess Your Cardiovascular Risk

If you have hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, a history of smoking, a family history of cardiovascular disease or other cardiac risk factors, an individualized cardiology assessment can be planned.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a heart attack?
A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle suddenly becomes severely reduced or blocked, preventing the heart muscle from receiving enough oxygen and causing tissue damage.
What is the most common symptom of a heart attack?
One of the most common symptoms is pressure, tightness, heaviness or pain in the centre of the chest. Other symptoms can include shortness of breath, pain in the arms, back or jaw, cold sweating, nausea and unusual fatigue.
Does a heart attack always cause chest pain?
No. Chest discomfort is common, but some people may experience shortness of breath, nausea, back or jaw pain, sweating, dizziness or unusual fatigue without prominent chest pain.
What should you do if you suspect a heart attack?
In Türkiye, call 112 Emergency immediately. Do not allow the person to drive and follow the instructions of emergency medical personnel. If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, begin CPR according to emergency dispatcher instructions and use an AED if available.
Can a heart attack happen in a young adult?
Yes. Although cardiovascular risk generally increases with age, heart attacks can also occur in younger adults. Smoking, high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and a family history of premature heart disease can influence risk.
Are a heart attack and cardiac arrest the same thing?
No. A heart attack is caused by impaired blood flow to the heart muscle. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart's electrical activity becomes severely disrupted and it stops pumping blood effectively. A heart attack can sometimes trigger cardiac arrest.
Can heart attack risk be reduced?
Stopping smoking, controlling blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, following a heart-healthy diet, being physically active and maintaining an appropriate body weight can help reduce cardiovascular risk.
Academic Hospital note: Heart attack symptoms do not look the same in every patient. New chest pressure or tightness, pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, cold sweating or sudden deterioration should be treated as a possible emergency rather than waiting for a routine appointment. For cardiovascular risk assessment, you can book a Cardiology appointment.

References

  1. Academic Hospital. Kalp Krizi Nedir? Kalp Krizinin Nedenleri ve Belirtileri Nelerdir?
  2. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). What Is a Heart Attack?
  3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Heart Attack – Causes and Risk Factors
  4. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Heart Attack – Treatment
  5. American Heart Association (AHA). Warning Signs of a Heart Attack
  6. American Heart Association & American Red Cross. 2024 Guidelines for First Aid
  7. American Heart Association. 2025 Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care
  8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Heart Disease Risk Factors
  9. European Society of Cardiology (ESC). 2023 ESC Guidelines for the Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes
  10. Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health. Hızlı Davran Hayatını Kurtar