Most heart attacks are caused by a blockage in these arteries. This buildup is like the gunk that builds up in a drainpipe and slows the flow of water. Heart attacks can also be caused by a blood clot that gets stuck in a narrow part of an artery to the heart.
Clots are more likely to form where atherosclerosis has made an artery more narrow.
The pain of a heart attack can feel like bad heartburn. Feel a pressure or crushing pain in your chest, sometimes with sweating, nausea or vomiting. Feel pain that extends from your chest into the jaw, left arm or left shoulder. Feel tightness in your chest. Have shortness of breath for more than a couple of seconds.