If a clot blocks this essential supply of oxygen to the heart muscle, a heart attack can occur. Most of these clots form where arteries have become narrow due to fatty deposits on the artery walls. The most recognized symptom of myocardial infarction is chest pain which radiates down the left arm or into the jaw or neck. Most patients who suffer from a heart attack recover, but they remain at risk for further heart attacks. Recurrent blood clots can occur in the same or different coronary arteries.
Clots can also form on the damaged heart muscle and become dislodged and cause a stroke.
The risk of recurrent coronary artery thrombosis may last for months or years after the first episode, while the risk of stroke is usually reduced after about 3 months . Anticoagulants, like warfarin, are sometimes used to prevent recurrent blood clots and myocardial infarction.