Heart Attack

A heart attack, also called myocardial infarction, is a serious cardiovascular disease that occurs when part of the heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen due to a blocked coronary artery.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to a blood clot in a coronary artery. This can damage or destroy heart muscle tissue.

Heart attack symptoms

Classic symptoms:

• Pressure or pain in the chest
• Pain that radiates to arms, neck, jaw, or back
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting

Important to know:

• Not everyone gets the same symptoms
• Women may have different symptoms than men
• Pain can be mild or absent

Acute treatment

If you suspect a heart attack:

1. Call 112 immediately
2. Take an aspirin tablet (if not allergic)
3. Rest in a comfortable position
4. Wait for ambulance

Risk factors

Modifiable risk factors:

• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Stress
• Alcohol abuse

Non-modifiable risk factors:

• Age (increased risk after 45 years for men, 55 years for women)
• Gender (men have higher risk)
• Heredity
• Previous heart attack

Preventive measures

Lifestyle changes:

• Quit smoking
• Eat healthy
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain normal weight
• Manage stress
• Limit alcohol

Medical treatment:

• Blood pressure medication
• Cholesterol medication
• Aspirin (in some cases)
• Diabetes medication

Recovery after heart attack

Rehabilitation:

• Gradual increase in physical activity
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Lifestyle counseling
• Psychological support

Long-term care:

• Regular doctor visits
• Medication as prescribed
• Continued lifestyle changes
• Monitoring of risk factors

When should I seek care?

Seek immediate care if you experience:

• Pressure or pain in the chest
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweat and nausea
• Pain that radiates to arms or jaw

How Min Hälsa can help

We can help you with:

• Assessment of heart-related symptoms
• Referral to cardiologist when needed
• Advice on heart-healthy lifestyle
• Follow-up after heart attack
• Support for lifestyle changes