Heart Attack Stories | NHS

Common symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, feeling weak or lightheaded, and pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, back, or arms.

If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, call 999 immediately for an ambulance. While waiting for the ambulance, help the person to sit down and stay calm. If they are not allergic, you can give them an aspirin to chew slowly.

Heart attacks can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and keeping conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol under control.

Yes, women may experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, back or jaw pain that are less common in men. Both men and women can have the classic symptom of chest pain, but women should be aware of these additional symptoms.

Yes, while heart attacks are more common in older adults, young people can also have heart attacks, especially if they have risk factors such as smoking, obesity, or a family history of heart disease.

Risk factors for a heart attack include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, and a family history of heart disease.

Treatment for a heart attack may include medication, lifestyle changes, and procedures like angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

Lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of a heart attack include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake, and managing stress.

Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease and increase the risk of a heart attack. Managing stress through techniques like exercise, meditation, and talking to a professional can help reduce this risk.

Yes, but it is important to follow your doctor’s guidance. Cardiac rehabilitation programs can help tailor exercise plans safely for individuals recovering from a heart attack.

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the heart attack and individual health. Some people may recover within a few weeks, while others may take several months and require lifestyle changes and rehabilitation.

Yes, a family history of heart disease can increase your risk of a heart attack. It is important to be aware of your family’s medical history and take preventive measures.

Some people may experience warning signs like chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, or fatigue days or weeks before a heart attack. However, not everyone has these warning signs.

A heart attack is diagnosed using a combination of medical history, physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests, and imaging tests like an angiogram.

Aspirin can help reduce blood clotting and is often given during a heart attack to help improve blood flow to the heart. It should be taken only if advised by a medical professional, especially if you have known allergies or contraindications.