Heart Attack Directory
More than 1 million Americans have heart attacks each year. Also called myocardial infarction, or MI, heart attacks can be deadly if medical care isn't received quickly. Besides taking steps to keep your heart healthy, such as eat right, exercise, maintain a healthy weight, keep your blood cholesterol and blood pressure in check, recognizing and responding to heart attack symptoms is key to survival. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about heart attack, what it looks like, how to treat it, and much more.
Medical Reference
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Heart Attacks and Heart Disease
What happens before a heart attack? Afterward? WebMD explains the causes of heart attacks, which affect 1 million Americans every year, along with symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and post-heart attack care.
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Alan's Story: Coping With Change After a Heart Attack-Alan's story
Alan's story: Personal story of coping with change after a heart attack.
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Automated External Defibrillators (AED) Treatment
WebMD explains the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) in case an adult or child loses consciousness.
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Heart Attack Treatment
WebMD walks you through first aid steps if you have symptoms of a heart attack.
Features
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11 Possible Heart Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
11 possible symptoms of heart problems that you may not be aware of, such as dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.
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Sex After a Heart Attack
Our expert answers your top six questions about having sex after you've had a heart attack -- including when it's safe, when it's not, and how to tell.
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Sex After Heart Disease: When Is It Safe to Get Back in the Saddle?
You've been treated for heart disease, and now you've got a new lease on life. But does that mean it's safe to have sex?
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Learn the Symptoms of a Female Heart Attack
The warning signs of a female heart attack are different than men’s.
Video
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Video: How to Perform Hands-Only CPR
In an emergency, CPR can save a life. Follow these steps to try to revive a teen or adult.
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How Heart Attacks are Different in Women
Gender specialist Marianne Legato, MD, explains how heart attacks affect women differently than men.
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Why is Heart Disease a Major Killer?
Jonathan Sackner Bernstein, MD, explains how heart disease became the top killer of both men and women in the U.S.
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Hypertension Equals Health Risks
Nearly 1 in 3 adult Americans have it. African Americans are especially at risk. Learn why hypertension is called the 'silent killer'.
Slideshows & Images
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Slideshow: A Visual Guide to a Heart Attack
Learn the symptoms of a heart attack, diagnosis, treatment options, and what you can do to lower your risk and prevent one.
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Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Heart Disease
WebMD provides a visual overview of heart disease, including symptoms to watch for, diagnostic tests, treatments, and prevention strategies.
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How a Heart Attack Happens
If a plaque inside a blood vessel ruptures, the body tries to repair the tear by forming a blood clot. A heart attack occurs when a clot blocks an artery that supplies oxygen - rich blood to the heart (coronary artery). This damages the heart. ...
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CPR in Adults: Positioning Your Hands for Chest Compressions
If an adult is not breathing normally or if a child is not breathing at all after rescue breaths, find the compression landmark. Kneel next to the person. Use your fingers to locate the end of the person's breastbone, where the ribs come together. Place two fingers at the tip of the breastbone. Place the heel of the other hand right above your fingers (on the side closest to the person's ...