What it is
Treatment in hospital opens the blocked artery, often with a stent, or uses clot-busting medicine.
Afterwards, medicines, cardiac rehabilitation and lifestyle changes, such as stopping smoking, reduce the risk of another heart attack.
Common signs
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness
- Pain spreading to the arms, neck, jaw, back or tummy
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating, feeling sick or lightheaded
- Overwhelming anxiety
How it is usually diagnosed
- ECG
- Blood tests for troponin
- Coronary angiogram
- Echocardiogram
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- ECGs
- Troponin and cholesterol results
- Angiogram and stent reports
- Discharge letters and cardiac rehabilitation notes
- A list of medicines
Questions to ask your doctor
- How much damage was done to my heart?
- Which medicines will I need and for how long?
- When can I return to work, exercise and driving?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Chest pain or pressure, especially with breathlessness, sweating or pain spreading to the arm or jaw: call 112 straight away
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.