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Heart attack Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2008.

Answers to questions about heart attack

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

How do I know that it's a heart attack and not something else?

There is no way to know for certain whether you are having a heart attack or whether the pain is something else. Only a doctor is going to be able to tell you once he or she has done some tests. So don't risk it. If you have any kind of pain and think that you might be having a heart attack (for example, if the pain in your chest is heavy and constricting, if it spreads to your throat and arms, causes sweating and is frightening), then call for an ambulance straightaway. Don't wait.

Explanation

The symptoms of a heart attack vary from person to person. Some people have very severe pain in their chest, along with other symptoms like feeling sick. Others may feel unwell and have discomfort whereas some people have no pain at all. Pain in your chest can also be caused by any number of different problems, from indigestion to lung problems or muscle pain.

However, the common symptoms of a heart attack are as follows.

  • Pain in the centre of your chest which lasts longer than 20 minutes. This pain is like a band around your chest that feels like it's being tightened. People who have had a heart attack liken the pain to having their chest in a vice that is slowly being tightened, or having an something heavy sitting on their chest.
  • pain in your arms, back, jaw and the upper part of your stomach (abdomen)
  • feeling short of breath
  • feeling or being sick
  • sweating, with skin that looks pale
  • feeling anxious, distressed or frightened

If you have these kinds of symptoms, you may be having a heart attack. It's also very easy to mistake the pain of a heart attack for indigestion, which is the reason why many people never report it to their GP. Because it's so difficult to be sure whether someone is having a heart attack, it's always best to be on the safe side. If you think you, or someone you are with, is having heart attack then get help straightaway. Don't wait. The sooner you get medical help the better your chances of making a full recovery.

Further information

Sources

  • British Heart Foundation. Heart Information Series 7. Heart attack. September 2006
  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007:1046-1048
  • Longmore N, Wilkinson I, Turmezei T, Cheung C. Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine. 7th ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007: 104
  • Heart attack. DIPEx. www.dipex.org, accessed 8 December 2007
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Can I go back to my normal life after a heart attack?

You will probably be able to lead a normal life after a heart attack, including returning to work. However, this will depend on how serious the heart attack was, the treatment you received and how well you recovered. It will also depend on the kind of work you do and the activities you have planned. Over a period of about three months, most people are able to gradually increase the amount that they do until they return to normal life, though for some people this can take longer.

Explanation

A heart attack damages the muscle of your heart so it's natural to think that this is going to limit what you are able to do. However, within a few days scar tissue starts to form on your heart muscle as it repairs itself. After a few months your heart could be working as well as it did before your heart attack. However, this isn't the case for everyone. If the damage to your heart was severe, you might find that you become breathless, tired and have swollen ankles. This is called heart failure and will mean you may not be able to return to a completely normal life.

After your heart attack you are likely to be offered a rehabilitation programme. This can take place at your hospital as well as at home and may include the Heart Manual, which is a special programme for you to follow with your health professional. Rehabilitation helps you to return to a normal life. In fact it can help you to recover faster. If recovery from your heart attack is uncomplicated, the following will give you an idea of when life is likely to start returning to normal:

  • You should contact the DVLA to check when you can start driving again. You will usually be able to start driving again after four to six weeks. If you drive a large goods vehicle or passenger-carrying vehicle, you will need to have further tests, such as an exercise ECG. Your return to driving will depend on the results of these tests.
  • You can return to work after six weeks if your job involves light duties. However, it may take longer than this to return to work, depending on the job you do. Talk to your GP and your employer about what is best for you.
  • You can start to have sex again after two or three weeks. You will know if it's safe to start sex again if you can climb two flights of stairs briskly without becoming breathless or getting chest pain.

Rehabilitation programmes include sessions on exercise, stress management, healthy lifestyle and practical issues like sex. How successful your rehabilitation programme is, is largely down to you. The more you put into it the more successful it is likely to be. For example, this means attending rehabilitation sessions, building up the amount of exercise you do and taking any medication you need.

Further information

Sources

  • Preventing another heart attack. National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Guideline 48, 2007.www.nice.org.uk
  • British Heart Foundation. Heart Information Series 7. Heart attack. September 2006
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. Guideline 57. 2002. www.sign.ac.uk
  • Myocardial Infarction - secondary prevention. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. http://cks.library.nhs.uk, accessed 12 January 2008
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I have been feeling quite anxious and depressed since my heart attack. Is this normal?

Some people do feel low, anxious and depressed after a heart attack. This is normal and happens to people who suffer a life-threatening illness or event. Most people start to feel better as they recover, whereas others may become depressed and need treatment. If you are worried about the way you are feeling, speak to your GP or nurse for help and advice.

Explanation

Feeling anxious, frightened and unhappy after a heart attack is normal and expected. Usually your feelings start to improve as you start to feel better and as you become able to do more for yourself. By getting the right information and advice, talking about your feelings and concerns and getting the practical help that you need you should start to feel better and more in control.

Around two in five people who have a heart attack will go on to have some depression afterwards. Half of these have mild depression, the other half have a more severe form. Research shows that being depressed and not feeling supported after a heart attack can increase your risk of dying. For this reason emotional support and looking after your mental and emotional wellbeing are just as important as looking after the recovery of your heart. The main signs and symptoms of depression are listed below. If you are experiencing any of these, talk to your GP or nurse about getting help and treatment:

  • low mood, lack of interest in life or pleasure
  • losing or gaining weight
  • sleeping a lot or not being able to sleep
  • tiredness and lack of energy
  • feeling worthless
  • not being able to concentrate or being agitated
  • thoughts of dying or suicide

Your partner, family and friends are also likely to be affected by your heart attack. They may be dealing with strong emotions too and this can put a strain on your relationships. It's important to talk about how you feel, to involve your family and friends in your rehabilitation and to try and stick to as normal a routine as possible. Those who are caring for you can quickly become tired and run down, so it's important to make sure they look after themselves as well as looking after you.

Further information

Sources

  • Dalal H, Evans P, Campbell J. Recent developments in secondary prevention and cardiac rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction. BMJ 2004; 328:693-697
  • Thompson D, Lewin R. Coronary disease; management of the post myocardial infarction patient: rehabilitation and cardiac neurosis. Heart 2000; 84:101-105
  • British Heart Foundation. Heart Information Series 7. Heart attack. September 2006
  • Depression and the heart. British Heart Foundation 2001. www.bhf.org.uk
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: September 2008

 

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