Heart Attack Symptoms - Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Heart attack is an unforeseen medical crisis, but with adequate awareness and timely reaction, need not necessarily be a cause of death. Heart attack is one of the leading causes of death in India and is not only prevalent among the elderly but also among young individuals who are in their 30s and 40s. But prevention of most of these catastrophes is within reach with awareness, timely diagnosis, and preventive medicine.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know about heart attack, from signs of warning to causes, diagnosis, treatment, and most importantly, prevention.

What is a Heart Attack?

Heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, is a condition whereby there is blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart. This blockage is most often caused by an aggregation of cholesterol, fat, and other substances, which form plaque within the arteries. When there is a tear of a plaque, there can form a blood clot and block the blood flow to the muscle within the heart, causing damage or death of the tissue.

Both are prone to being mistaken with a cardiac arrest, but they are not one and the same. With a cardiac arrest, the heartbeat stops suddenly, whereas a heart attack is caused due to compromised circulation. (Both are serious, but both are of a different kind and need a different treatment.)"

What Are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?

Recognising a heart attack early can save lives. Here are some of the common heart attack symptoms:

• Chest pain or discomfort (tightness, pressure, or a squeezing feeling)
• Pain radiating to the arm, neck, jaw, or back (more common on the left side)
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Nausea or vomiting
• Light-headedness or dizziness
• Unexplained fatigue, especially in women

It's important to note that symptoms can vary between men and women, and not everyone experiences the “classic” chest pain.

Mild heart attack symptoms may come and go—don't ignore them. If you or someone around you shows signs, seek emergency help immediately.

Reasons for Heart Attack: Why Do They Happen?

There isn't just one trigger. Multiple reasons for a heart attack can contribute over time, including:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Unhealthy diet
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress

A family history of heart disease can also increase your risk.

Diagnosis: How Is a Heart Attack Detected?

Early and accurate diagnosis is the key to effective treatment. At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, our state-of-the-art diagnostic systems help doctors detect and assess heart attacks with precision.

Some common diagnostic tests include:

• ECG (Electrocardiogram) - Measures electrical activity of the heart
• Blood tests - Especially troponin levels, a marker of heart muscle damage
• Echocardiogram - An ultrasound of the heart to view damage
• Coronary angiography - To detect blockages in the heart's arteries
• CT Coronary Angiography - A non-invasive imaging technique available at Mahajan Imaging that provides detailed pictures of the heart's blood vessels

Getting tested at the right time, with the right technology, can save lives. That's why Mahajan Imaging is committed to offering advanced cardiac imaging with fast turnaround and expert reporting.

Heart Attack Treatment: What Happens After Diagnosis?

When it comes to heart attack treatment, time is muscle. The faster treatment begins, the better the outcome.

Immediate treatments may include:

• Clot-dissolving medications (thrombolytics)
• Blood thinners
• Angioplasty and stent placement
• Coronary artery bypass surgery

Post-treatment, long-term management includes lifestyle changes, medications, cardiac rehabilitation, and regular follow-ups. Mahajan Imaging supports this journey through advanced follow-up imaging and lab testing to monitor recovery and prevent recurrence.

How to Avoid a Heart Attack: Prevention That Works

The good news is that many heart attacks can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes and regular checkups. Here's how to avoid a heart attack:

• Eat heart-healthy foods: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid trans fats and excessive salt.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 times a week.
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol: These are major risk factors for heart disease.
• Manage stress: Try yoga, meditation, or just disconnecting from your phone.
• Get regular screenings: Monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
• Don't ignore symptoms: Even mild discomfort or fatigue should be checked.

At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, we offer preventive health checkups and cardiac screenings tailored for individuals with family history, high-risk profiles, or stressful lifestyles.

When in Doubt, Get Checked

Heart attacks don't always come with a dramatic collapse. Sometimes, they whisper. That's why it's critical to listen to your body—and get help when something feels off.

At Mahajan Imaging & Labs, we don't just detect disease. We partner with you in preventing it. Our expert team, cutting-edge technology, and patient-first approach ensure that your heart health is never left to chance.

Conclusion

A heart attack can be sudden, but the factors leading to it build over time. By understanding the symptoms, knowing the causes, and choosing timely diagnosis and treatment, you can take control of your heart health.

Don't wait for a wake-up call. If you or a loved one has risk factors or unexplained symptoms, schedule a cardiac checkup at Mahajan Imaging & Labs today. Because every heartbeat matters.

Frequently Asked Questions