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A heart attack is an event that occurs when part of the heart muscle does not get enough blood and oxygen. This part of the heart starts to die.
A heart attack most often happens because blood flow through one or more of the coronary arteries is blocked. This blockage is usually caused by a blood clot that forms when plaque in the artery breaks open.
Quick treatment that restores blood flow to the heart can help save lives.
The medical name for a heart attack is myocardial infarction, or MI. It may also be called acute coronary syndrome.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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