WHAT IS A HEART ATTACK? A heart attack occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually due to a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. The fatty, cholesterol-containing deposits are called plaques. The process of plaque buildup is called atherosclerosis. Sometimes, a plaque can rupture and form a clot that blocks blood flow. A lack of blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle. A heart attack is also called a Myocardial Infarction. Angina is caused by a temporary decrease in blood flow to the heart. Symptoms Chest pain that may feel like pressure, tightness, pain, squeezing or aching Pain or discomfort that spreads to the shoulder, arm, back, neck, jaw, teeth or sometimes the upper belly Cold sweat Fatigue Heartburn or indigestion Lightheadedness or sudden dizziness Nausea Shortness of breath Women may have atypical symptoms such as brief or sharp pain felt in the neck, arm or back. Sometimes, the first symptom sign of a heart attack is sudden cardiac arrest. A Silent Heart Attack is a heart attack that has few, if any, symptoms or has symptoms not recognized as a heart attack. Your Cardiologist will investigate, diagnose and treat the signs and symptoms related to Angina and Myocardial Infarction. Timely consultation and prompt treatment prevents death caused by cardiovascular diseases.