You or someone else has symptoms like:
A heart attack happens when there’s a reduction in blood supply to part of the heart muscle. This lack of blood flow can cause damage to the heart.
Sometimes, when chest pain occurs suddenly, it’s unclear if it’s due to unstable angina or a heart attack. Until tests confirm the diagnosis, doctors sometimes call this Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).
Further information on causes and risk factors for a heart attack.
In order to find out if you’re having a heart attack, you’ll need to have some tests. These tests can include:
Based on your test results, your clinical team will decide your treatment plan.
When someone has a heart attack, it’s important to restore blood flow quickly. This’ll minimise damage to the heart muscle and start to alleviate symptoms.
Your treatment plan will depend on:
Treatment for a heart attack may consist of:
People who’ve had a heart attack will need to take several different types of medication. Your doctor will try to find the best drugs for you with the fewest side effects.
Sometimes there are complications following a heart attack. The most common complications after a heart attack are:
Many problems resolve themselves quite quickly. However, sometimes problems linger and can often be helped by medication.
How long you stay in hospital will depend upon your circumstances and treatment. Don’t be afraid to ask your medical team about what’s happening.
On discharge, you should be referred onto a cardiac rehabilitation programme.
You should receive an assessment to determine your individual goals and needs after a heart attack.
Rehabilitation is usually a mix of exercise and education sessions. This helps to provide you with the information, advice and support to:
Your cardiac rehabilitation team can also give you advice on practical issues after a heart attack, including:
The British Heart Foundation has further information on cardiac rehabilitation.
Last updated:
07 February 2024