Heart attack symptoms can vary in their onset, intensity and duration. Some arrive suddenly, while others start slowly. This may take a few minutes or several hours.
Untreated heart attack symptoms can lead to serious complications or even death. Therefore, it is important that people are treated urgently as soon as the symptoms start.
This article is about how long a heart attack can last. It also lists the symptoms of a heart attack and discusses how and when to get treatment.
Heart attack symptoms usually last longer than a few minutes. They may leave and return, or they may occur at intervals of several hours.
In most cases, the symptoms will start slowly and cause mild pain or discomfort. Sometimes, however, the symptoms can be sudden and intense.
It is unlikely that chest pain lasting a few weeks or months will be a heart attack or other life-threatening emergency.
However, it is very important that people do not wait to see how long the pain lasts. They will need emergency treatment for the symptoms of a heart attack.
If someone is not treated for a heart attack, it can lead to serious complications. It can even be fatal.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, with 85% of these deaths due to a heart attack or stroke in 2016.
According to the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, people have about 90 minutes between the onset of a heart attack and medical treatment to prevent damage to critical heart tissue.
Complications
During a heart attack, the blood supply to the heart stops due to a blockage in a coronary artery. These are the veins that carry blood to the heart. If a person is not treated immediately, this lack of blood flow can cause damage to the heart.
Complications due to this situation include:
- Arrhythmias: This is abnormal heartbeat.
- Cardiogenic shock: This refers to severe damage to the heart muscle.
- Heart failure: This occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood effectively through the body.
According to the National Health Service (NHS), many people die suddenly from such complications – some before they get to the hospital and others within the first month after having a heart attack.
The longer a heart attack is left untreated, the more damage it causes and the worse the outcome becomes.
Someone should call 911 immediately if they or anyone else experiences the symptoms of a heart attack. Even if someone is unsure, they should still seek emergency treatment.
By calling 911, treatment can begin as soon as the emergency services team arrives.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), an ambulance can be called to start treatment up to an hour earlier than when people travel to the hospital by car. Those arriving by ambulance can also be treated faster in the hospital.
Waiting for an ambulance
It may be helpful to take an aspirin tablet, ideally 300 milligrams, while waiting for an ambulance. A person can take an aspirin tablet if they are not allergic to it and if a doctor or member of the emergency services team recommends it.
Aspirin is a blood-thinning medication that can help restore blood flow to the heart.
A person should make sure that he or she has taken prescribed heart medication as indicated while waiting for the ambulance. These medicines may include nitroglycerin or beta-blockers.
Treatment will vary depending on the type of heart attack someone is experiencing.
Read more about different types of heart attacks here.
In most cases, a doctor will treat heart attacks using catheterization and stent placement. Catheterization involves the insertion of a tube into the heart through a small incision in the groin or arm. A stent holds the artery open.
Immediate treatment
Forms of immediate hospital treatment may include:
- Aspirin: This prevents further blood clotting.
- Nitroglycerin series: It helps to improve blood flow.
- Oxygen therapy: It helps to increase oxygen levels.
- Treatment for chest pain: It can reduce pain or discomfort.
Surgery
Surgery can help restore blood flow to the heart. Surgical procedures for patients with heart attacks include bypass surgery. Bypass surgery involves redirecting the blood flow around the blockage.
Here’s more about bypass surgery.
Some people also consider catheterization and stent placement as a form of surgery.
Learn more about placing stents here.
Medicine
A doctor can give the person medicine to resolve a blood clot. Medicines that dissolve blood clots are called thrombolytic drugs.
The doctor may later prescribe other medicines to reduce the risk of future heart attacks, including:
Read more about treatment for a heart attack here.
The time it takes to recover from a heart attack varies. It depends on several factors, including the general health of the person and the amount of damage the heart attack has done to their heart muscle.
Most people need to stay in the hospital for at least a few days after a heart attack. Those who have undergone bypass surgery will have to stay longer – sometimes a week or longer.
Some people may return to work and other activities after two weeks, while others may need a few months to recover.
Most people will recover from a heart attack, especially if they receive medical treatment.
The survival rate for heart attacks is now 90%. This is because doctors are now much more able to diagnose and treat heart attacks. Therefore, it is essential to receive immediate medical attention.
The use of preventative methods is also extremely important. This can help reduce the risk of future heart attacks.
The symptoms of a heart attack can start immediately and last for several hours.
However, the symptoms can vary greatly in their presentation, onset and duration. Some people may notice that the symptoms appear suddenly, while others start gradually.
As soon as someone notices symptoms, someone should call 911, and the person should take an aspirin tablet (if they do not have an aspirin allergy and if they have been instructed to do so by a medical professional). The best way to improve a person’s view is to get immediate medical attention.
With urgent treatment, most people will recover from a heart attack and can lead a satisfying life. By making healthy lifestyle choices and following the recommended treatment plan, it can reduce the risk of getting future heart attacks.