Heart attack

Key Points

• Life-threatening medical emergency
• Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked
• Requires immediate hospital treatment
• Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath and nausea
• Call emergency services for severe symptoms

Overview

A heart attack happens when the blood supply to a part of your heart is suddenly cut off, usually by a blood clot. This can damage the heart muscle and is a life-threatening condition that needs urgent medical attention. Immediate treatment in a hospital is crucial to restore blood flow and minimize heart damage. This may involve medicines or procedures to open blocked arteries. After a heart attack, long-term care includes medications and lifestyle changes to support recovery and prevent future events. Recovery time varies for each person.

Signs and Symptoms

• Chest pain (crushing or squeezing)
• Pain spreading to arm, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting
• Indigestion-like feeling or burning chest
• Sweating
• Pale, blue, or grey skin

Things That Increase the Risk

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Family history of heart attack
• Diabetes
• Overweight or obesity

Diagnosis

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Blood tests
• Echocardiogram (to check heart damage)
• Coronary angiogram (to locate blockage)

Treatment & Management

• Emergency hospital treatment
• Medicines to improve blood flow
• Coronary angioplasty (stent placement)
• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Long-term medications (e.g., antiplatelets, statins)
• Cardiac rehabilitation programs

Prevention

• Stop smoking
• Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
• Control blood pressure
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Reduce salt and saturated fat intake
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly
• Reduce alcohol consumption

Related Diseases

• Cardiac Arrest
• Angina
• Atherosclerosis
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Heart attack:

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Heart attack: