A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. The blockage is usually caused by a build-up of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the heart (coronary) arteries. These cholesterol-containing fatty deposits are called plaques. The process of plaque formation is called atherosclerosis. Sometimes a plaque can rupture and form a clot that blocks the blood flow. The lack of blood flow can damage or destroy part of the heart muscle.

A heart attack is also called a myocardial infarction.

A heart attack requires urgent treatment to prevent death. If you have been diagnosed with heart disease, make sure you have annual check-ups and any necessary treatment. Treatment in Switzerland at leading cardiology clinics benefits from well-designed infrastructure and high-tech equipment, and the doctors apply best practice and innovative methods to treat heart disease.

A heart attack is life-threatening. If you experience any of the symptoms described below, it is vital that you call an ambulance immediately (in Switzerland, dial 144).

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

The symptoms of a heart attack can vary, but the most common signs are:

  • chest pain or discomfort that comes on suddenly and persists. It may feel like pressure, squeezing or heaviness in the chest. It may resemble indigestion or a burning sensation.
  • pain that may spread to the left or right arm, or to the neck, jaw, back or abdomen
  • feeling sick, sweating, dizziness or shortness of breath.

Other, less common symptoms include:

  • a sudden feeling of anxiety, which may resemble a panic attack
  • excessive coughing or wheezing due to fluid build-up in the lungs.
  • The level of pain can also vary from person to person. For some, the pain or tightness in the chest is severe, while others simply feel discomfort or a pain similar to indigestion.

The symptoms of a heart attack can persist for several days, or they can appear suddenly and unexpectedly.

“Silent” heart attacks and diabetes

People with diabetes can develop nerve damage (neuropathy). If the nerves supplying your heart are damaged, you may not feel the usual pain when your heart muscle is short of oxygen. If you live with diabetes, you need to rely on other warning signs, such as:

  • difficulty breathing
  • unexpected nausea
  • persistently high blood glucose levels with no apparent explanation

Risk factors

Risk factors for a heart attack include:

  • Age. Men aged 45 and over and women aged 55 and over are more likely to have a heart attack than younger men and women.
  • Tobacco use. This includes smoking and long-term exposure to second-hand smoke. If you smoke, stop.
  • High blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can damage the arteries leading to the heart. High blood pressure that occurs together with other conditions such as obesity, high cholesterol or diabetes increases the risk even further.
  • High cholesterol or triglyceride levels. A high level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) is most likely to narrow the arteries. A high level of certain blood fats called triglycerides also increases the risk of a heart attack. The risk of a heart attack may fall if the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol – “good” cholesterol – is within the normal range.
  • Obesity. Obesity is associated with high blood pressure, diabetes, high levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol, and low levels of good cholesterol.
  • Diabetes. Blood sugar levels rise when the body does not produce the hormone insulin or cannot use it properly. High blood sugar increases the risk of a heart attack.
  • Metabolic syndrome. This is a combination of at least three of the following: an enlarged waist (central obesity), high blood pressure, low levels of good cholesterol, high triglyceride levels and high blood sugar. Having metabolic syndrome doubles the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease compared with not having it.
  • A family history of heart attacks. If a brother, sister, parent or grandparent had an early heart attack (by age 55 for men and by age 65 for women), you may be at increased risk.
  • Too little exercise. A lack of physical activity (a sedentary lifestyle) is associated with a higher risk of heart attacks. Regular exercise improves heart health.
  • Unhealthy diet. A diet high in sugar, animal fats, processed foods, trans fats and salt increases the risk of heart attacks. Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, fibre and healthy oils.
  • Stress. Emotional stress, such as intense anger, can increase the risk of a heart attack.
  • Illegal drug use. Cocaine and amphetamines are stimulants. They can trigger a spasm of the coronary arteries, which can cause a heart attack.
  • A history of pre-eclampsia. This condition causes high blood pressure during pregnancy. It increases the lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Autoimmune conditions. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can increase the risk of a heart attack.