heart attack

USAGE SUMMARY

"heart attack" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a medical emergency where an individual experiences a disruption in the flow of blood to a part of their heart. Example: The woman died after suffering a heart attack.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Heart attack?

The New York Times - Health

Listen to "Heart Attack".

The New Yorker

An oncoming heart attack.

The New Yorker

See heart attack.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"That's a heart attack.

The New Yorker

No heart attack.

The New Yorker

Heart attack and stroke.

Harvard University

It's not a heart attack.

The New York Times - Sports

He'd had a heart attack.

The New Yorker

With his second heart attack".

The New Yorker

"A heart attack," he explained.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone who has experienced a heart attack, use person-first language, such as 'a person who had a heart attack' rather than 'a heart attack victim'.

Common error

Avoid using overly dramatic or sensational language when describing a "heart attack". Focus on factual information and avoid causing unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heart attack" functions primarily as a noun phrase, denoting a specific medical condition. Ludwig examples show its usage in describing events, causes, and consequences of the condition, as well as in news reports and medical discussions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "heart attack" is a very common noun phrase used to describe a serious medical condition involving the disruption of blood supply to the heart. Grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news and media, academic, and encyclopedia sources. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in various contexts, from personal anecdotes to medical reports. While the phrase is generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "myocardial infarction" exist for technical discussions. When writing about "heart attack", it's crucial to be precise and avoid sensational language, focusing on factual information to inform effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

myocardial infarction

A more technical and precise term for a heart attack, often used in medical contexts.

cardiac arrest

Refers to the sudden stop of the heart's function, which can be a consequence of a heart attack.

coronary thrombosis

Describes the formation of a blood clot in a coronary artery, often leading to a heart attack.

acute myocardial infarction

Specifies that the heart attack is a sudden and severe event affecting the heart muscle.

coronary event

A broader term encompassing various heart-related incidents, including heart attacks.

ischemic heart disease

A condition characterized by reduced blood supply to the heart, which can lead to a heart attack.

sudden cardiac death

Describes an unexpected death caused by heart problems, potentially linked to an undiagnosed heart attack.

atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

A long-term condition that can lead to a heart attack.

coronary artery disease

Another term to define the narrowing of the arteries.

heart failure

Describes a condition where the heart is not able to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. A heart attack can cause heart failure.

FAQs

What is another term for "heart attack"?

A common alternative term for "heart attack" is "myocardial infarction", which is often used in medical contexts.

What are some of the main causes of "heart attack"?

Heart attacks are usually caused by a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, often due to a buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis). Other causes can include blood clots or spasms of the coronary arteries.

What are the typical symptoms of a "heart attack"?

Common symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, pain in the arm or shoulder, nausea, and lightheadedness. However, symptoms can vary, and some people may experience atypical symptoms.

What is the difference between "heart attack" and "cardiac arrest"?

"Heart attack" refers to a blockage of blood flow to the heart, while "cardiac arrest" is the sudden loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness. A heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest.