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

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
What you need to know about heart attacks
What you need to know about heart attacks
Heart attacks can come on suddenly, but the disease that causes heart attacks is often years in the making. A heart attack, also known as a myocardial...
Read More
What is the difference between STEMI and non-STEMI heart attacks?
A STEMI heart attack is identified by a test called an electrocardiogram that records the electrical...
More Answers
If I am having a heart attack, why does my jaw hurt?
Your jaw may hurt because the nerves from the jaw run in close proximity to the nerves from the hear...
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.