25 Questions and Answers
A heart attack occurs when the coronary arteries supplying the heart suddenly become blocked, cutting off blood and oxygen to that area of the heart muscle. "Time is muscle" — without intervention, heart tissue begins to die within minutes.
The most typical symptom is severe pressure, tightness, or burning pain felt in the centre of the chest. The pain usually lasts more than 20 minutes. Cold sweating, shortness of breath, and nausea may accompany it.
The pain starting in the chest can radiate to the left arm, both shoulders, the neck, jaw, back, or upper abdomen. Sometimes it may only be felt as jaw or back pain.
A silent heart attack occurs without any chest pain — only fatigue, shortness of breath, or nausea. It is particularly common in diabetics and the elderly, where nerve damage can prevent pain sensation. It is difficult to diagnose and dangerous.
Panic attack pain is usually sharp, brief, and localised; it subsides when the person calms down. Heart attack pain produces a broad pressure sensation, worsens with exertion, does not go away with rest, and is accompanied by a sense of doom and cold sweat.
Yes. In women, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and back or jaw pain may be more prominent than classic chest pain. This is why diagnosis is sometimes delayed in women.
Call emergency services immediately — never drive to hospital in a personal vehicle. Seat or lie the patient down and do not let them exert themselves. If there is no known aspirin allergy, have them chew 300 mg of aspirin.
The widely known "cough CPR" technique can only be useful in a hospital setting, when the patient is on a monitor and at the moment of cardiac arrest, under a doctor's direction. Attempting forceful coughing at home can raise blood pressure and worsen the situation. The best course of action is to remain still.
Yes. Heavy smoking, genetic predisposition (familial hypercholesterolaemia), and substance use such as cocaine can trigger heart attacks at a young age.
A heart attack is a process, not an instant event. Pain begins from the moment the artery is blocked and continues until the artery is opened (or the tissue dies). Anginal pain typically lasts more than 20 minutes.
The decision depends on the arterial anatomy. Short narrowings in one or two arteries favour stenting. Multi-vessel disease, left main artery blockage, or diabetes favour bypass surgery for better long-term outcomes.
With early intervention (within the first 1–2 hours), heart muscle damage is minimised and the patient can return to normal life. In delayed cases, heart failure may develop.
Diabetic patients are medically considered as high-risk as someone who has already had a heart attack, even if they have never experienced one. Diabetes silently and extensively damages the vascular structure.
Angiography is a diagnostic method, not a treatment. Access is made through the groin or wrist to image the arteries. If a narrowing is detected, it can be opened with a balloon or stent in the same session.
Yes. With drug-eluting stents, this risk is very low. However, if the patient continues to smoke or does not take their medications, a clot can form inside the stent.
Family history is important. If first-degree relatives (parents, siblings) had a heart attack at an early age (under 55 for men, under 65 for women), your risk is elevated.
In high-risk patients, low-dose aspirin prescribed by a doctor can reduce clotting risk. It should not be taken without medical advice due to the risk of stomach bleeding. During an attack, it is life-saving.
No. Usually 2–4 weeks after discharge, once stress tests show no problems and the patient feels ready, sexual activity can be resumed. Do not hesitate to discuss this with your doctor.
Yes. Sudden intense stress (extreme grief, anger, or fear) can cause an adrenaline surge that ruptures arterial plaque and triggers an attack.
When heart muscle cells are damaged, a protein called troponin enters the bloodstream. An elevated troponin level in a blood test is the most important laboratory proof of a heart attack.
A Mediterranean diet should be adopted: olive oil instead of solid fats, fish and poultry instead of red meat, plenty of vegetables and fruit. Salt intake should be restricted.
One year after quitting, the risk of heart attack is reduced by 50%. After 10–15 years, it approaches the risk level of someone who has never smoked.
No. In some types of heart attack (NSTEMI), the ECG can appear normal or near-normal. Therefore, even if the ECG is normal, a troponin test must be awaited if there is clinical suspicion.
Yes. Cold weather causes blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise. This increases the heart's workload and can raise the risk of a heart attack during winter months.
Driving is generally not recommended for the first week after discharge. For commercial vehicle drivers, the conditions and duration are determined by a doctor's report.
