Heart attack

A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when there is a disruption of oxygen-rich blood flow to the heart. It is a life-threatening emergency. Within minutes, irreversible heart muscle tissue damage can occur. Studies show that prompt medical attention can save more heart muscle, which increases the chances of survival. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing heart attack symptoms, dial 911.

Advocate Heart Institute offers an exceptional level of care. You have access to trusted heart attack services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Advanced technologies enable us to quickly pinpoint the myocardial infarction and determine its severity. And our experience from treating a high volume of heart attacks gives you the best chances for good results.

Types of heart attack

Heart attack types include:

• ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI): A STEMI occurs when there’s a complete blockage to one of the coronary arteries. This is the most severe type of heart attack. 

• Non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI): With an NSTEMI, you may experience partial coronary artery blockages that are temporary.

• Coronary artery spasm: This condition causes episodes of coronary artery wall narrowing that restrict blood flow. In some cases, the heart’s blood supply is temporarily cut off.

• Demand ischemia: The heart needs more oxygen than the body can provide. Demand ischemia is a complication of other medical issues, such as infections, anemia or an abnormally fast heart rate (tachyarrhythmia).

Symptoms of heart attack

You are likely to experience chest pain. It may feel like:

• Dull pressure
• Heartburn
• Indigestion

Not everyone experiences chest pain. Other heart attack symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Pain that extends to the upper body, including the shoulder, jaw or back
• Shortness of breath
• Unusual tiredness
• Vomiting

Causes of heart attack

Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of myocardial infarction. A waxy substance (plaque) builds up in the arteries supplying the heart. The force of blood flow against plaques may cause them to burst. The body repairs the area by forming a clot. Over time, clots can become large enough to block blood flow depriving the heart of blood.

Less common causes of myocardial infarction include:

• Street drugs, like cocaine and methamphetamine, that can cause coronary arteries to narrow while also increasing blood pressure
• Other medical conditions, such as infections and heart rhythms conditions (arrhythmias) 
• Lack of oxygen due to carbon monoxide poisoning or severe medical distress

Diagnosing heart attack

Our team comes together within minutes of your arrival to assess your symptoms. We perform a thorough evaluation using sophisticated imaging technologies for an accurate diagnosis. Find out more about heart and vascular testing and diagnosis.

Your care may include: 

• Electrocardiogram (EKG): This test records the heart’s electrical activity and may show signs of heart damage.
• Lab tests: When heart tissue is stressed, it releases a protein, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). A blood test helps us check levels of BNP.

• Cardiac catheterization: Thin tubes with sophisticated instruments at the tip measure pressure and oxygen levels inside the heart. We insert them through a small incision in your groin or wrist.

• Coronary angiography: We perform this test during cardiac catheterization. Doctors use angiography to examine arteries with the help of dye and special X-rays. 

Treating heart attack

Our comprehensive approach preserves as much heart muscle as possible minimizing the long-term effects of myocardial infarction. Emergency heart attack treatment relieves pain and restores blood flow to the heart. Ongoing preventive therapies lower the risk of a future myocardial infarction. 

Emergency heart attack treatment

Upon arriving at the emergency room, you may receive:

• Nitroglycerin: This drug opens up narrowed coronary arteries to reduce the heart’s workload.

• Supplemental oxygen: Breathing in oxygen through a mask may lessen heart damage.

• Thrombolytic medications: Clot-busting drugs may dissolve the clot blocking blood flow to the heart.

Therapies to restore blood flow include:

• Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI): This catheter-based procedure removes the clot. 

• Stenting: During a PCI procedure, doctors may place a mesh device (stent) inside the artery to help it stay open.

Preventive heart care

After recovering from a heart attack, you can take steps to lower the risk of a future myocardial infarction. Preventive care includes: 

• Medications: Taking drugs like blood thinners or aspirin may stop blood cells from forming unnecessary clots.

• Procedures: In some cases, surgery such as coronary artery bypass grafting is necessary. This procedure transfers a healthy vein from another part of the body to the heart to route blood flow away from damaged blood vessels.

• Lifestyle changes: Adopting heart-healthy habits can help you feel your best and optimize heart functioning. These habits include quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet and staying physically active.

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