Condition

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

When blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly cut off.

Indian patient clutching chest during a heart attack — Sudden, crushing chest pain is the classic warning — but not the only one.

What it is

Ruptured plaque and blood clot blocking a coronary artery — A heart attack begins when a plaque ruptures and a clot suddenly seals the artery.

A heart attack happens when a coronary artery is suddenly blocked — usually by a blood clot forming over a cholesterol plaque — and a part of the heart muscle starts to die. Every minute matters. Modern treatment (primary angioplasty within 90 minutes) can save most of the muscle.

Symptoms

Older Indian woman with chest discomfort at home — In women and diabetics, the warning can be quiet — only breathlessness or fatigue.

Chest pain or heavy pressure (often described as 'an elephant sitting on the chest')
Pain spreading to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back
Cold sweat, nausea, vomiting
Sudden breathlessness — especially in diabetics and women
Unusual fatigue or fainting

Risk factors

Smoking and tobacco chewing
Diabetes
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Family history of early heart disease
Sedentary lifestyle and obesity
Chronic stress

How it's diagnosed

ECG monitor showing active cardiac trace — An ECG within the first 10 minutes decides the next move.

ECG within 10 minutes of arrival
Cardiac biomarkers (Troponin)
Bedside echocardiogram
Emergency coronary angiography

Treatment options

Cathlab team performing primary angioplasty — Primary angioplasty within 90 minutes is the gold standard of care.

Primary angioplasty (Primary PCI) — the gold standard
Clot-busting injection if angioplasty is not available within 2 hours
Dual antiplatelet medication, statin, beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor
Cardiac rehabilitation and lifestyle change

Prevention

Stop tobacco completely
Treat diabetes, BP, and cholesterol to target
30 minutes of brisk walking, 5 days a week
Mediterranean-style or balanced Indian diet — less oil, less sugar, more vegetables
Manage stress and sleep 7–8 hours

Emergency

If you suspect a heart attack, do NOT drive yourself. Call Backbone Medicity 24×7 on +91 74108 21108 immediately and chew one aspirin (300 mg) if not allergic.