A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is severely reduced or stopped. This happens when one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle is blocked by an obstruction. This blockage can be caused by a condition called atherosclerosis (a buildup of fatty substance along the wall of the artery), a blood clot or spasm of a coronary vessel as well as a complete blockage. If blood supply to part of the heart stops, that area of ​​the heart will no longer receive the oxygen or nutrients needed to perform its function and will die. If it is a very small part of the heart involved, it will be able to function without it. If a large part is damaged, irreversible damage will occur and may result in death. Damage to the heart muscle can be so severe that it can cause an abnormal heart rhythm, called an arrhythmia. Most people who suffer a myocardial insult or heart attack do so within a few hours due to some type of arrhythmia. The heart attack victim will complain of pressure, discomfort, or a feeling of squeezing in the center of the chest. There may be pain radiating to the arms or neck. There may also be shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and/or indigestion. The pain that occurs is the result of ischemia of the heart tissue (decreased blood supply). The area that isn't getting enough blood is literally crying out for help. When a person complains of any of the symptoms mentioned, they must be transported ...