Heart Attack—At a Glance

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack is an event that results in permanent heart damage or death. It is also known as a myocardial infarction, because part of the heart muscle (myocardium) may literally die (infarction). Learn more.

What are the causes and risk factors of a heart attack?

Heart attacks result from coronary artery disease. Learn more.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

The classic symptom of a heart attack is chest pain that is unrelieved by rest and often spreads or radiates through the upper body to the arms, neck, shoulders, or jaw. Learn more.

How is a heart attack treated?

Coronary artery disease may be treated with medication, surgery, minimally invasive interventional procedures, or a combination of these therapies. Learn more.

Ask your doctor

Learn what questions to ask your doctor to prepare for your next visit. Learn more.