What is a heart attack? How can you tell if one is coming?
A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, usually because of a buildup of fat, cholesterol, or clots in the arteries. This stops oxygen from reaching the heart muscle, causing chest pain and damage to the heart. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, pain spreading to your arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, dizziness, or a feeling of anxiety or tightness in the chest. If you notice these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.