Inklingo

How to Say "heart attack" in Spanish

English → Spanish

infarto

een-FAR-toh/inˈfaɾto/

nounB1medical
Use 'infarto' when referring specifically to the medical condition of a heart attack in clinical or everyday medical contexts.
A stylized, simple red human heart organ clutching its center with a look of sudden, intense pain, indicating a heart attack.

Examples

El paciente fue llevado de urgencia al hospital por un posible infarto.

The patient was rushed to the hospital for a possible heart attack.

El doctor dijo que el paciente sufrió un infarto grave.

The doctor said the patient suffered a severe heart attack.

La prevención es clave para reducir el riesgo de infarto.

Prevention is key to reducing the risk of a heart attack.

Sentí un dolor en el pecho, pensé que me daba un infarto.

I felt a pain in my chest, I thought I was having a heart attack.

Using 'Suffer'

When talking about experiencing a heart attack, the verb 'sufrir' (to suffer or experience) is frequently used: 'Sufrió un infarto.' This is often more natural than using 'tener' (to have).

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “Using 'la infarto'.”

Correction: The word 'infarto' is masculine, so always use the masculine article: 'el infarto' or 'un infarto'.

ataque

/ah-TAH-keh//aˈtake/

nounA2general
While 'ataque' can mean 'attack' in general, it can be used as a shortened, less formal way to refer to a heart attack, often in casual conversation ('ataque al corazón').
A knight charging towards a tall stone castle wall, illustrating a military attack or assault.

Examples

Mi abuelo tuvo un ataque y se recuperó.

My grandfather had a heart attack and recovered.

El castillo sobrevivió al ataque.

The castle survived the attack.

El equipo lanzó un ataque rápido y marcó un gol.

The team launched a quick attack and scored a goal.

El médico dijo que fue un ataque al corazón.

The doctor said it was a heart attack.

Is it 'el' or 'la'?

'Ataque' is a masculine noun, even though it ends in 'e'. So, you always use 'el' or 'un' with it, like 'el ataque' (the attack) or 'un ataque' (an attack).

Confusing the Noun and the Verb

Mistake: “Yo ataque el problema.”

Correction: Yo ataco el problema. 'Ataque' is the thing (the noun), while 'atacar' is the action (the verb). Think of 'attack' the noun vs. 'I attack' the verb in English.

Choosing Between 'Ataque' and 'Infarto'

The most common mistake is using the general word 'ataque' when the specific medical term 'infarto' is more appropriate. While 'ataque' can be understood, especially in informal speech, 'infarto' is the precise medical term for a heart attack.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.