Acute Myocardial Infarction: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Acute Myocardial Infarction?
A cardiologist (a heart doctor) treats a heart attack in a hospital. A heart surgeon may do bypass surgery if it is needed. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is acute myocardial infarction?
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the medical name for a heart attack. It happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle suddenly becomes blocked. Your heart cannot get enough oxygen. If blood flow is not restored quickly, the heart muscle will begin to die.
Most heart attacks are caused by a blood clot that blocks one of the coronary arteries. These are the arteries that bring blood and oxygen to the heart.
Symptoms
Chest pain is the most common symptom. You may have one or more of these symptoms:
- Chest pain, heaviness, or discomfort in the center or left side of the chest.
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, your back, shoulders, neck, jaw, or above your belly button.
- Shortness of breath when resting or with a little activity.
- Sweating a lot for no reason.
- Feeling unusually tired for no reason, sometimes for days. This is more common in women.
- Nausea, which means feeling sick to the stomach, and vomiting.
- Light-headedness or sudden dizziness.
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Some people, including older adults, people with diabetes, and women, may have little or no chest pain.
Causes and who gets it
Plaque, a substance made of cholesterol and other cells, can build up in the walls of the coronary arteries. Most heart attacks happen when a disruption in the plaque triggers a blood clot. The clot blocks most or all of the oxygen-carrying blood from flowing to part of the heart muscle. This is the most common cause of a heart attack.
The cause is not always known, but there are well known risk factors. Your age, lifestyle habits, and other medical conditions can raise your risk. A heart attack may occur at rest, after a sudden increase in physical activity, in cold weather, or after sudden, severe stress, including an illness.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and listen to your chest using a stethoscope. You will have an electrocardiogram (ECG), a test that looks for heart damage. A blood test can show heart tissue damage and confirm a heart attack.
Coronary angiography uses a special dye and x-rays to see how blood flows through your heart. Other hospital tests include echocardiography (an ultrasound of the heart), stress tests, and a heart CT scan or heart MRI.
Treatment
A heart attack needs immediate treatment. In the hospital, you will be hooked up to a heart monitor and receive oxygen. You may get nitroglycerin and morphine to reduce chest pain. You may receive aspirin, unless it would not be safe for you. In that case, you will get another medicine that prevents blood clots.
Angioplasty is often the first choice of treatment. It opens narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply blood to the heart. A stent (a small metal mesh tube) is usually placed to help prevent the artery from closing up again. You may also be given medicines to break up the clot. This is called thrombolytic therapy. Some people may also have heart bypass surgery.
After a heart attack, you will likely take medicines, some for the rest of your life. Always follow your doctor's instructions about your medicines. Talk to your doctor before stopping any of them, because stopping certain medicines can be deadly.
When to see a doctor
A heart attack is a medical emergency. If you have symptoms, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. An ambulance is the safest way to the hospital. Do not drive yourself. If you do not know whether your chest pain is angina or a heart attack, call 911. Acting fast can limit damage to your heart and save your life.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. This doctor can check your blood pressure and cholesterol and help you lower your risk.
Common questions
Is a heart attack the same as cardiac arrest?
No. A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating. A heart attack can cause cardiac arrest.
What does a heart attack feel like?
The pain can feel like a tight band around the chest, bad indigestion, something heavy sitting on your chest, or squeezing or heavy pressure. It most often lasts longer than 20 minutes. Rest and nitroglycerin may not completely relieve the pain.
Can women have different symptoms?
Yes. Women often experience different symptoms of a heart attack. Feeling unusually tired for no reason, sometimes for days, is more common in women.
How is a heart attack treated?
Treatment starts right away in a hospital. Angioplasty is often the first choice of treatment to open the blocked artery. Medicines to break up clots and prevent clots are also used. Getting help and treatment quickly can limit the damage to your heart.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
