Heart attack, also called myocardial infarction, is a serious medical condition due to reduced blood supply to the heart. It exhibits the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Lightheadedness
- Anxiety
However, chest pain may not be severe in some instances and confused with indigestion.

Coronary heart disease is the main cause of heart attack. It is a condition in which the blood supply to the heart is reduced due to clogging of the blood vessels with cholesterol and plaques. The rupture of the plaque causes the formation of a blood clot leading to heart attack.

Yes, it is possible to prevent a heart attack by the following:
- Quitting smoking
- Lowering alcohol consumption
- Losing excess weight
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a diet with low-fat and high-fibre content

Individuals with high cholesterol, diabetes, habit of smoking, high blood pressure, those who are overweight and lack of physical activity are more prone to heart attack than others. Also, individuals with a family history of heart diseases are at a higher risk of experiencing a heart attack.

An electrocardiogram is the main test to diagnose if the symptoms are due to a heart attack. Blood test, chest x-ray, echocardiogram and coronary angiography are some other tests that are used to diagnose a heart attack.