A heart attack occurs when one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart is blocked. This usually occurs as a result of narrowing of these arteries, which is caused by a build-up of fatty deposits. A heart attack is sometimes called myocardial infarction, coronary thrombosis or coronary occlusion. 

Heart attack is a medical emergency – immediate action can save a life. Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance if you or someone you are with experiences the warning signs of heart attack. It is always better to go to hospital than to wait until it is too late.

The heart needs a constant supply of blood. The heart is a double pump that circulates blood around the body. It picks up oxygenated blood from the lungs and sends it around the body through blood vessels called arteries. At the same time, the heart pumps deoxygenated blood from the body back to the lungs. To perform its duties, the heart needs a generous supply of oxygen and nutrients, which it receives from blood pumped through the two coronary arteries and their branches.

Coronary heart disease and heart attack

Over the years, fatty deposits or plaques build up inside one or more of the coronary arteries (a process called atherosclerosis). This results in narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to angina (temporary chest pain or discomfort). This typically occurs during activity or when a person feels strong emotions. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot forms at a narrowed point in a coronary artery and suddenly blocks the flow of blood to an area of heart muscle. If the artery remains blocked, the lack of blood supply permanently damages the area of heart muscle supplied by that artery. The severity of the heart attack depends on how much heart muscle is permanently damaged.

Heart Track online Self assessment for heart disease