Quick read
Key points
- 1
A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot forming where a coronary artery has narrowed due to fatty deposits. Without prompt treatment to restore blood flow, the affected heart muscle can be permanently damaged.
- 2
Recognise myocardial infarction quickly, activate emergency services, avoid driving to hospital, and address modifiable cardiovascular risk after recovery.
- 3
Call emergency services immediately for any suspected heart attack symptoms
01 · Know
What is Heart Attack?
A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, usually by a blood clot forming where a coronary artery has narrowed due to fatty deposits. Without prompt treatment to restore blood flow, the affected heart muscle can be permanently damaged.
Recognising the symptoms and calling emergency services immediately is critical — every minute counts in limiting heart damage. With prompt treatment, many people survive heart attacks and go on to make a good recovery, often with cardiac rehabilitation supporting their return to normal activity.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Symptoms can be different in women and may be more subtle
While chest pain is the classic symptom, women having a heart attack more often experience additional or different symptoms, such as breathlessness, nausea, back pain, or unusual fatigue, which can sometimes lead to delayed recognition.
03 · Act
What to Do
- 1Call emergency services immediately for any suspected heart attack symptoms
- 2Chew an aspirin if advised by emergency services and you're not allergic
- 3Sit or lie down in a comfortable position while waiting for help
- 4Don't drive yourself to hospital — emergency services can begin treatment on the way
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Never Wait to See If Symptoms Pass
Heart attack symptoms should never be waited out at home — every minute of delay can mean more permanent heart damage, so call emergency services immediately at the first suspicion.
- 1Call emergency services immediately.Do this at the first suspicion of heart attack symptoms, without waiting to see if they improve.
- 2Follow any instructions given by the emergency call handler.This may include chewing an aspirin if appropriate for you.
- 3Stay as calm as possible while waiting for help.Sit or lie in a comfortable position.
- 4Attend cardiac rehabilitation after recovery.This structured programme supports a safe return to activity and helps reduce future risk.
- 5Address cardiovascular risk factors long-term.Not smoking, managing blood pressure and cholesterol, and staying active all help protect against future heart attacks.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Recognising heart attack symptoms and calling emergency services immediately gives the best chance of limiting heart damage and making a good recovery.
Women can experience different or more subtle symptoms than the classic chest pain — any suspected heart attack symptoms need immediate emergency care.