Heart Attack: Causes, Prevention, and Home Remedies

A heart attack, also known as myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching the heart muscle. Without immediate treatment, parts of the heart muscle can die, leading to severe complications or even death.

What Causes a Heart Attack?

The heart receives oxygen-rich blood through the coronary arteries. A heart attack happens when these arteries become blocked, usually due to:

  • Plaque buildup – Fatty deposits (cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) accumulate in the arteries, narrowing them over time (atherosclerosis).
  • Blood clots – A ruptured plaque can cause a blood clot that completely blocks an artery.
  • Spasms in coronary arteries – Rarely, arteries can tighten and restrict blood flow, even without a blockage.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of a heart attack, including:

  • High cholesterol and high blood pressure
  • Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  • Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic stress and anxiety
  • A family history of heart disease

Recognizing a Heart Attack

A heart attack is a medical emergency. Recognizing symptoms early can save lives.

Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack

  • Chest pain or discomfort – Often described as pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation, typically on the left side of the chest.
  • Pain radiating to other areas – Pain may spread to the left arm, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath – Difficulty breathing even when resting.
  • Cold sweats and dizziness – Clammy skin, lightheadedness, or fainting.
  • Nausea and vomiting – This symptom is more common in women than men.
  • Heart palpitations – Feeling of an irregular or racing heartbeat.
  • Extreme fatigue – A sudden, unexplained sense of exhaustion.

What to Do if You or Someone Else Has a Heart Attack

Call Emergency Services Immediately

A heart attack is life-threatening—call 911 (or local emergency services) right away. Do not wait for symptoms to pass.

Take Aspirin

If the person is conscious, have them chew (not swallow) a 325 mg aspirin. Aspirin helps thin the blood and prevents clots from growing.

Stay Calm and Rest

Encourage the person to sit down and stay as still as possible. Moving around can make the heart work harder.

Use Nitroglycerin (If Prescribed)

If the person has been prescribed nitroglycerin, they should take it as directed while waiting for emergency responders.

Perform CPR (If Needed)

If the person collapses and stops breathing, begin CPR immediately until medical help arrives.

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if you:

  • Have frequent chest pain or tightness
  • Experience shortness of breath even with mild exertion
  • Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes
  • Have a family history of heart disease

Preventing a Heart Attack

A heart attack can be life-threatening, but with quick action and prevention, the risk can be significantly reduced. The key to keeping your heart strong and healthy is maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, reducing stress, and following medical advice. If you or someone around you experiences heart attack symptoms, act fast—call 911 immediately.

The best approach to heart health is prevention. Making lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease and heart attacks.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

A diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and healthy fats helps maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Focus on:

  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collard greens) – High in vitamins and nitrates that lower blood pressure.
  • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation.
  • Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachios) – Help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and improve heart function.
  • Olive oil – A powerful source of antioxidants and healthy fats.
  • Garlic and onions – Contain compounds that lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • Whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa) – Reduce the risk of heart disease.

Avoid Sugary and Processed Foods

Excess sugar and refined carbs contribute to obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Limit:

  • Soda and sugary drinks
  • Candy, pastries, and processed snacks
  • Fast food and fried foods

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity helps strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Aim for:

  • At least 150 minutes of moderate weekly exercise (brisk walking, cycling, swimming).
  • Strength training twice a week to improve heart function and metabolism.
  • Daily movement—avoid sitting for long periods.

Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol

  • Smoking increases the risk of arterial plaque buildup and blood clots. Quitting dramatically reduces the risk of heart disease.
  • Excess alcohol can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Limit to one drink per day for women, two for men.

Manage Stress

Chronic stress increases blood pressure and inflammation, leading to heart issues. Try:

  • Meditation or deep breathing exercises
  • Spending time in nature
  • Engaging in hobbies or social activities

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Being overweight strains the heart and increases cholesterol and blood pressure. Losing even 5-10% of body weight can reduce heart attack risk.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments for Heart Health

OTC Solutions for Heart Health

  • Low-dose aspirin (81 mg) – Can be taken daily if recommended by a doctor to reduce clot formation.
  • Omega-3 supplements – If you don’t eat enough fatty fish, omega-3 capsules help reduce heart inflammation.
  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – Helps maintain heart muscle function.
  • Magnesium supplements – May help regulate heart rhythm and blood pressure.