A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, happens when part of your heart muscle is damaged or dies because of inadequate blood flow. Unlike angina where the pain is temporary, damage from a heart attack is permanent. The dead muscle tissue eventually turns into scar tissue during the healing process; however, your heart may not pump as effectively as a healthy heart.

Symptoms of a heart attack can include:

• Pressure or tightness in your chest or arms,
• Aching or weakness in your neck, jaw, arm, shoulder or back
• Pain between your shoulder blades or in your upper back and neck

Heart attacks often are associated with shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, cold sweats, general weakness or fatigue, anxiety, strong and rapid heartbeats or palpitations and dizziness.

The pain of angina and a heart attack can be similar. Typically, heart attack pain is prolonged and not relieved by resting. If you believe you are suffering from either angina or a heart attack, stop what you are doing and rest immediately. If you have a prescription for nitroglycerin tables, take as directed. Do not take more than three tablets in fifteen minutes. If your symptoms subside on their own within 15 minutes, call your primary physician right away for follow-up care. If your symptoms do not go away after 15 minutes, call 911 immediately. Do not drive yourself anywhere.

Some risk factors for a heart attack include age, family history, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, stress and diabetes.