Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

A heart attack is permanent damage to the heart. The heart needs a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to keep it nourished, and the coronary arteries provide the heart with this crucial blood supply. But if a person has coronary artery disease, the most common cause of heart attacks, the arteries can become narrowed and blood cannot flow as easily as it should. Arteries also can become clogged with fat, calcium, proteins and inflammation, also called plaque, which can rupture inside arteries and cause a blood clot. If the clot is large enough, it starves the heart of oxygen. When arteries are mostly or completely blocked, heart muscle cells begin to die, causing permanent damage.

Why UAB

At UAB, you will receive expert, personalized primary cardiology services from our General Cardiology clinics both on campus and at our suburban center at Acton Road just off I-459. Specialists from UAB’s world-renowned team of cardiologists offer you the best evidence-based care for coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, rhythm disturbances, diseased valves, and other heart and vessel conditions. And when you visit our clinics, you can expect friendly, personalized care backed by UAB’s sophisticated facilities and equipment.

RELATED SERVICES

Images and Videos

Learn four important signs of a heart attack that could save your life or the life of someone you love.

Take a video tour of the UAB Heart & Vascular Clinic at Acton Road.

After two heart attacks and ten stents, Rick Vinson made significant strides toward a heart healthy lifestyle with help from UAB’s CardioPulmonary Rehabilitation program.

Interventional cardiologist, Mark Sasse, MD, and UAB's team of heart and vascular surgeons and physicians provide unique, personalized care at Alabama's only nationally ranked hospital.

PHYSICIANS

Firas Al Solaiman, MD

Constantine L. Athanasuleas, MD

Brigitta C. Brott, MD

James E. Davies Jr., MD

William L. Holman, MD

Massoud Leesar, MD

Silvio E. Papapietro, MD

Sara J. Pereira, MD

Mohammed Sarraf, MD

Mark Sasse, MD

Related Conditions

Listed below are some conditions that may be related to or share some similarities with the condition addressed on this page.

Arrhythmia

Heart Failure

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of heart attack . We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials