| Category | Consultation for Heart Attack |
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes obstructed, thus obstructing blood flow to the heart. A heart attack is a medical emergency; if it is suspected, call an ambulance. If the blood supply is prolonged, permanent damage could be life-threatening. If someone has had a heart attack, they will be conscious. Cardiac arrest, on the other hand, is when the heart stops pumping blood around the body, causing breathing to stop. If someone has had cardiac arrest, they will be unconscious and need CPR immediately.
What causes a heart attack?
A heart attack occurs when a coronary artery becomes blocked. This often results from the build-up of fatty deposits called atheroma.
The main risk factors for heart attacks are the following:
