If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, call 911 right away. Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
A heart attack is a serious medical emergency that happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. Without fast treatment, the heart muscle can be damaged or die. Knowing the warning signs and getting help quickly can save your life.
Banner Health provides expert heart attack care, from emergency treatment through recovery and long-term heart health.
A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when one or more coronary arteries become blocked. These arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Most blockages are caused by a buildup of plaque that breaks open and forms a blood clot.
When blood flow is reduced or stopped, the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen. The longer the blockage lasts, the more damage can occur.
Heart attack symptoms can look different from person to person. Some start suddenly, while others may begin slowly and feel mild at first.
Common symptoms of a heart attack include:
Some people, especially women, older adults and people with diabetes, may have symptoms without chest pain, such as shortness of breath, nausea or fatigue.
Learn more about heart attack symptoms and when to seek emergency care.
Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease. This condition develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries and narrows blood flow to the heart.
Risk factors include:
Some risk factors can be managed with lifestyle changes and medical care.
Explore heart attack risk factors and prevention to understand your personal risk.
In the emergency department, care teams act quickly to confirm a heart attack and start treatment. Tests may include:
Early diagnosis helps limit heart damage and improves outcomes.
Heart attack treatment focuses on restoring blood flow and preventing further damage. Treatment depends on how severe the heart attack is and how quickly care begins.
Treatment may include:
Learn more about heart attack treatment options and what to expect during care.
Recovery continues after you leave the hospital. Long-term care helps support healing, prevent future heart problems and improve quality of life.
Recovery may include:
Learn what to expect during recovery in life after a heart attack.
Call 911 right away if you have chest pain or other symptoms that may be a heart attack. Do not wait to see if symptoms go away. Quick action can save heart muscle and save lives.
Use our location tool to find the nearest Banner emergency department with 24/7 cardiac care. Find emergency cardiac care near you.
Banner Health offers coordinated, advanced heart attack care across our network. Our heart and vascular specialists use proven treatments and the latest technology to provide high-quality, compassionate care when it matters most.
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