A heart attack happens when blood supply to heart muscles is blocked, says Dr Susan Enjema Aweh, commonly known as Dr. SEA. This is usually caused by a clot in the heart artery.
The affected heart muscle starts to die because it lacks blood supply.
In the following video Dr. SEA explains what heart attack is in Pidgin and how you can reduce your risk of having the disease.
She points out that up to 33% of people who suffer a heart attack, run a risk of having another one.
VIDEO: What is cancer and how Africans can reduce their cancer risk
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), symptoms of a heart attack include: pain or discomfort in the centre of the chest; pain or discomfort in the arms, the left shoulder, elbows, jaw, or back.
One may also experience difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath; feeling sick or vomiting; feeling light-headed or faint; breaking into a cold sweat; and becoming pale.
Women are more likely to have shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.