Advertisement
Health TopicsHeart and Circulatory SystemHeart Attack
question

How does a heart attack affect the body?

Donna Hill Howes, RN
Donna Hill Howes, RN
Family Practitioner
answer

A heart attack affects the body by damaging the heart muscle. Without oxygen, the heart muscle begins to die and scar tissue forms there instead. The damage may lead to long-lasting problems. Complications after a heart attack include irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), heart rupture (myocardial rupture), heart failure, leaking heart valves, low blood pressure and swelling of the heart sac (pericarditis).

Continue Learning about Heart Attack

Heart attack in men and women: differences, similarities, and disparities
Heart attack in men and women: differences, similarities, and disparities
When you think of a heart attack, symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath probably come to mind. But that’s not always the case for women. In...
Read More
When to worry about chest pain
When to worry about chest pain
Sometimes chest pain is just chest pain. Sometimes it’s only a muscle strain, heartburn or bronchitis. “More often than not there are benign reasons,”...
Read More
Can stress really cause a heart attack?
Can stress really cause a heart attack?
You see it in movies all the time: Someone gets upset, clutches his or her chest and collapses from a heart attack. Not only can stress cause a heart ...
Read More
How can a heart attack be predicted months in advance?
A blood test to detect MPO along with the clinical history and an ECG can predict a heart attack mon...
More Answers

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.