Do you know the early signs of a heart attack?
A heart attack is a serious medical emergency whereby the supply of blood to your heart is suddenly blocked.
If you suspect a heart attack, call 999 immediately.
If you’re heart doesn’t get enough blood, it may lead to serious damage that can be life threatening.
Symptoms of a heart attack
- chest pain – a feeling of pressure, heaviness, tightness or squeezing across your chest
- pain in other parts of the body – it can feel as if the pain is spreading from your chest to your arms (usually the left arm, but it can affect both arms), jaw, neck, back and tummy
- feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- sweating
- shortness of breath
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- an overwhelming feeling of anxiety (similar to a panic attack)
- coughing or wheezing
What causes a heart attack?
The leading cause of heart attacks is Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). CHD is a medical condition where the major blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply the heart muscle become blocked by a build-up of deposits of fatty substances.
Diagnosis
If a heart attack is suspected, you should be taken to hospital straight away. In most cases, you’ll be admitted to an acute cardiac care unit (ACCU) or directly to a cardiac catheterisation unit, where the diagnosis can be confirmed, and treatment started immediately.
Treatment
The treatment you receive for a heart attack depends on the type. Doctors first check whether it is a STEMI, which is a serious type of heart attack caused by a major blockage in one of the heart’s arteries, or another type such as NSTEMI or unstable angina, which are usually caused by partial blockages or limited blood flow to the heart.
For further information about the treatment of a heart attack, please visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/treatment/
Complications of a heart attack
Complications of a heart attack can be serious and sometimes life-threatening. They may include:
- Arrhythmias – abnormal heart rhythms, some of which can cause the heart to stop beating.
- Cardiogenic shock – when the heart muscle is badly damaged and can’t pump enough blood to support the body’s vital functions.
- Heart rupture – a tear in the heart’s muscle, walls, or valves.
These complications can develop soon after a heart attack and are a major cause of death.
How can I prevent a heart attack?
You can lower your risk of having a heart attack (or another one) by making some healthy lifestyle changes:
- Stop smoking if you are a smoker.
- Maintain a healthy weight by losing excess weight if you are overweight or obese.
- Be physically active – aim for at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, unless your doctor advises otherwise.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet – choose low-fat, high-fibre foods such as wholegrains, and include at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
- Limit alcohol intake to safe levels.
NHS Website
For further details about Heart Attack, please visit the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-attack/
Page Created: 9th September 2025
Page Updated: 9th September 2025