What is a heart attack, and how can I identify the warning signs before it occurs?
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, usually by a blood clot, causing damage to the heart muscle. Warning signs can appear suddenly or gradually, hours, days, or even weeks before the attack. Key symptoms include chest pain or pressure, discomfort in the arm, neck, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and sudden fatigue or dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical care to prevent serious complications.