Myocardial infarction is the medical term for a heart attack. The most common cause of a heart attack is a blood clot that blocks a coronary artery. Often there is a slow buildup of plaque over the years that narrows one of the coronary arteries. Coronary arteries supply oxygen and blood to the heart. If blood flow is blocked, depriving the heart of oxygen, the heart muscle actually dies.

While chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, “you can have chest pain without having a heart attack,” according to cardiologist Joseph Guarino, MD. “The chest pain could be a clue” that you are at risk for a heart attack. Listen to Dr. Guarino discuss heart attacks on the Hurley in the Morning radio program.