When we hear the term heart attack, it can be worrying and rightly so. But understanding what it actually is, how it happens, and what signs to look out for can help you respond quickly and take control of your heart health. I’ll explain in plain terms what a heart attack is, what causes it, and what you need to know if you’re at risk.
What Happens During a Heart Attack?
A heart attack (also known medically as a myocardial infarction) happens when the blood flow to a part of the heart becomes suddenly blocked. Your heart needs oxygen-rich blood to function properly, and when that supply is interrupted even briefly parts of the heart muscle can become damaged.
This usually happens because of a build-up of fatty deposits (called plaque) in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. If a piece of plaque breaks off, it can form a blood clot that blocks the artery. Without quick treatment, the heart muscle begins to die, and permanent damage can occur.
What Causes a Heart Attack?
Most heart attacks are caused by coronary artery disease, a condition where the arteries become narrowed due to cholesterol and plaque. However, other causes and risk factors include:
High cholesterol
Diabetes
Obesity
Sedentary lifestyle
Family history of heart disease
Excessive alcohol use
Stress and poor sleep
There are also rare types of heart attacks caused by a sudden spasm of the coronary artery, rather than a blockage.
What Does a Heart Attack Feel Like?
We tend to associate heart attacks with crushing chest pain, but symptoms can vary. Some people have very mild discomfort, and others experience no chest pain at all particularly women and people with diabetes.
The most common signs of a heart attack include:
Chest pain or pressure (often described as tightness or squeezing)
Pain that radiates to the left arm, neck, jaw, back or stomach
Sweating
Feeling light-headed or faint
Nausea or vomiting
A sense of anxiety or dread
These symptoms usually last more than a few minutes and don't improve with rest. If you’re ever unsure, it’s safer to treat it as an emergency and seek help immediately.
What Should I Do If I Suspect a Heart Attack?
Call 999 immediately. Don’t wait to see if it passes. While waiting for the ambulance:
Sit down and stay calm
If you're not allergic and have one, chew one 300mg aspirin
Loosen tight clothing
Try to remain still and avoid physical effort
Paramedics can provide life-saving treatment on the way to hospital. The sooner you get help, the better the outcome.
What Happens in Hospital?
Once you’re in hospital, doctors will confirm the diagnosis using an ECG test (electrocardiogram) and blood tests to check for heart muscle damage. Depending on the severity and type of heart attack, you may receive:
Coronary angioplasty (a procedure to open the blocked artery)
Clot-busting medication (thrombolysis)
Ongoing medication to prevent further clots and manage heart function
Recovery usually involves a stay in a specialist cardiac unit, followed by cardiac rehab and long-term care.
Are Heart Attacks Always Sudden?
Not always. Some people have warning signs in the days or weeks before like fatigue, chest discomfort during activity, or shortness of breath. These are often overlooked. That’s why regular heart check-ups are important, especially if you have risk factors.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Age, genetics, and lifestyle all play a part. You may be at higher risk if you:
Have a close family member with heart disease
Smoke or used to smoke
Are overweight or inactive
Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
Have diabetes
At Heartsure, we work with patients of all backgrounds to assess personal risk and support prevention through tailored testing, including heart scans, ECGs, and lifestyle support.
Can You Prevent a Heart Attack?
Yes many heart attacks are preventable. Here are some of the most effective ways to lower your risk:
Lifestyle Change | Why It Helps |
Stop smoking | Reduces artery damage and clot risk |
Eat a heart-healthy diet | Lowers cholesterol and blood pressure |
Exercise regularly | Strengthens heart function and improves blood flow |
Manage stress and sleep | Reduces strain on the cardiovascular system |
Control blood pressure | Prevents artery damage |
Take prescribed medication | Statins, blood pressure meds and others help |
It’s also important to attend regular heart screenings if you’re over a certain age or have other health concerns.
What Are the Long-Term Effects?
Many people recover well from a heart attack, especially with early treatment and good aftercare. However, it can leave permanent damage to the heart muscle, leading to complications such as:
Increased risk of another heart attack
Cardiac rehabilitation, lifestyle changes, and long-term medication are often recommended to support recovery and reduce future risk.
How Are Heart Attacks Different from Other Heart Problems?
A heart attack is a sudden event caused by a blocked artery. It’s different from:
Angina, which is chest pain due to reduced blood flow but without permanent damage
Heart failure, where the heart doesn’t pump efficiently over time
Arrhythmias, which are rhythm disturbances but not blockages
That said, all of these conditions can be linked, and one can lead to another if left untreated.
To Summarise
A heart attack is a serious medical emergency but with quick action and the right follow-up care, many people go on to lead full, active lives. Knowing the warning signs, understanding your risk, and speaking to a cardiologist early can make a real difference. If you’ve had worrying symptoms or a family history of heart disease, I recommend getting a professional heart health assessment. Whether you’re looking for a full cardiac screening or want to understand your own risk better, support is available and you don’t need to wait until something goes wrong. You can reach out to us here should you be local to Surrey and want to be seen by one of our consultants.
