A sudden blockage of a heart artery damages the heart muscle and may require immediate intervention.
When to seek emergency care
If any of the following signs occur, call *3003 immediately — do not wait for a routine appointment:
- Chest pain or pressure lasting more than 20 minutes
- Pain spreading to the arm, back or jaw
- Cold sweat and nausea
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Fainting or severe weakness
What is it?
A heart attack is usually caused by rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and formation of a clot inside the artery. This is not a routine appointment issue; it is a medical emergency.
Symptoms
- Chest pressure or heaviness
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Unusual fatigue
- Atypical symptoms in women, older adults and people with diabetes
Causes & risk factors
- Coronary artery disease
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Family risk
- Previous heart attack
Diagnosis
Diagnosis should not rely on one test alone. Symptoms, risk factors, physical examination and investigation results are interpreted together.
- Urgent ECG
- Troponin and blood tests
- Echocardiography
- Coronary angiography
- Hemodynamic monitoring
Treatment approaches
Treatment is individualized according to severity, overall health, accompanying conditions, procedure risk and patient priorities.
- Urgent medication
- Coronary angiography
- Angioplasty and stenting to open the artery
- Intensive care monitoring
- Long-term medication and rehabilitation plan
How we help
A patient with suspected heart attack is assessed urgently. ECG and blood results determine the need for coronary angiography and blood-flow restoration. Intensive monitoring and cardiology follow-up are essential after the acute phase.
When a procedure may be needed
If ECG and symptoms suggest an acute artery blockage, urgent coronary intervention may be needed. Delay increases loss of heart muscle.
Patient checklist
- Do not drive yourself if heart attack symptoms occur
- Call emergency medical services
- Tell the team about medications and allergies
- After a stent, take medication exactly as prescribed
FAQ
Is heart attack pain always severe?
No. Some patients, especially older adults and people with diabetes, may have mild or atypical symptoms.
Does the risk end after a stent?
No. Medication, lifestyle measures and follow-up must continue.
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