www.GulfPortMemorial.com            
Site Search Patient Information Career Opportunities Find A Physician Locations & Directions Contact Us

About Memorial
Career Opportunities
Emergency Site
Community Services
For Our Staff
Health & Drug Library
Health Services
Managed Care
Memorial Hospital Foundation, Inc.
Newborn Nursery
Patient Information
Online Billpay
Physician Opportunities
Press Releases
STAR Recognition Program
Vendormate
Streaming Video
Calendar
My Personal Health
Volunteers

Healthwise Knowledgebase - MultiMedia

Back to Health Library   Print This Page Print    Email to a Friend Email
How a heart attack happens

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.

Picture of plaque rupture and clot formation in a coronary artery
Picture of damage to the heart from a heart attack

Last Updated: May 5, 2009

Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine & John A. McPherson, MD, FACC, FSCAI - Cardiology

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2010 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.





Powered by Healthvision
Print

Privacy Policy   |   HIPAA   |   Policies & Ownerships   |   Patient Rights   |   Site Map   

© 2009 Memorial Hospital at Gulfport | 4500 Thirteenth Street · PO Box 1810 · Gulfport, MS 39501 | (228) 867-4000