A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when there is a sudden blockage in one of the coronary arteries which supply blood to the heart muscle itself.

The blockage usually occurs in a coronary artery whose inner wall has already been damaged by coronary atherosclerosis.
The heart is effectively a powerful pump. If a portion of its muscle loses its blood supply the muscle dies (infarcts). There may also be damage to the electrical activity of the heart, causing it to beat irregularly (arrhythmia) or to stop beating (cardiac arrest).

Warning signs of Heart attack

• The symptoms of heart attack vary, but the most common is a prolonged oppressive pain or unusual discomfort in the centre of the chest, behind the breastbone.
• The pain may radiate to the shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw. Sometimes the symptoms may subside and then return.
• There may also be sweating, weakness, nausea and shortness of breath.

A heart attack person may or may not become conscious"unconscious.
All Cases of Chest Pain Should Be Investigated.

Treatment:

If the above symptoms occur, contact your GP immediately. If your GP strongly suspects a heart attack, he may arrange an Ambulance immediately. If the symptoms are less clear-cut, he/she may arrange to assess the patient and possibly perform an ECG (cardiograph) to clarify the diagnosis.

If your GP cannot be contacted quickly (and particularly if the patient is very distressed), telephone 999 or 112 or your local emergency number and ask for an Ambulance.

If unavailable, the person should immediately be taken to the nearest hospital.Every minute is vital in cases of suspected heart attack. A person should not be allowed to drive himself to hospital.

• If the casualty is conscious reassure, gently support with pillows, and place in a half-sitting position with knees bent.
• Do Not Allow the casualty to move unnecessarily as this will put extra strain on the heart.
• Loosen any tight clothing around the neck, chest and waist.
• Treat for shock.
• Remove to hospital immediately, maintaining the treatment position if possible.

Unconscious Person

Treatment:

• Call 999 or 112 or your local emergency number and say cardiac emergency first.
• If breathing and heartbeat stop, begin the A-B-C of resuscitation immediately.
• Remove to hospital immediately, continuing resuscitation on the way, if necessary.
• If the casualty becomes unconscious, but is breathing normally, place in the recovery position.
• Check pulse rate continuously