Heart Attack

Heart attack

Damage or death of heart muscle caused by a blockage of an artery that supplies the heart (coronary artery). Symptoms can vary widely and can be atypical in the elderly, diabetics and women. The most common cause of the blockage is build up of fat and calcium in the artery (atherosclerosis). Conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, family history of heart attacks and diabetes can all increase the chances of having this disease. If untreated, death can occur, and at times very rapidly. Other complications include heart failure and stroke.