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.
VIDEOS
Learn four important signs of a heart attack that could save your life or the life of someone you love.
Four Signs of a Heart Attack
Do you know the four signs of a heart attack that could save your life? Watch this video from UAB Medicine to learn about four very important symptoms of a heart attack that some victims may overlook including chest discomfort, discomfort in other areas of the upper body, shortness of breath, and other symptoms like breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness.
Heart Acton Video Tour
Heart Acton (fixed) from UAB Health System on Vimeo.
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 Cardio-Pulmonary Rehabilitation program.
Rick Vinson - Cardiac Rehab


RELATED SERVICES
CLINICAL TRIALS
UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.
View Clinical TrialsMORE INFO
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Joint Commission awards ventricular device certification to UAB Cardiovascular Institute
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UAB receives GOLD certification for cardio-oncology program from International Society of Cardio-Oncology
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A Silent Killer: How High Blood Pressure Hurts the Body
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Guinness World Records Names Longest Survivor of an Artificial Double Heart-Valve Replacement
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UAB’s Cardiothoracic Surgery Unit has been Awarded the Beacon Award for Excellence by AACN