Myocardial Infarction (MI) is the medical term for an event commonly called heart attack in layman's language. MI occurs when there is inadequate supply of blood to a part of heart, the heart muscles are injured as they do not receive required oxygen. It usually occurs due to the blockade of the coronary arteruies by unstable mass of white blood cells, cholesterol and fat, these coronaries arteries are the ones supplying the heart muscles and enabling them to ensure circulation and oxygen supply.

MI presents as sudden chest pain usually behind the sternum, which may radiate to left arm or left side of the neck. In addition, Shortness of breath, profuse sweating, nausea, vomitting, abnormal heatbeats and anxiety may be seen.In many cases, the person does not have chest pain or other symptoms,these are called "silent" myocardial infarctions.

The risk factors for heart attacks are modifiable, and thus heart attacks are preventable!

The causes of Heart Attacks can be broadly categoriesed into:

Lifestyle - Smoking, obesity, lack of exercise and high stress levels play pivaot role in the

causation of heart attacks. While, exposure to air pollution, alcohol consumption and increased consumption of trans-fat increase the risk of MI!

Disease - Diseases like Diabetes Mellitus type 1 or 2, hypertension, hypercholestetolemia, high levels of triglycerides and obesity also aid in MI.

Genetic - About 27 genes have been discovered whose mere presence in your genome can put you at the risk of heart attack!