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Patient Education
Know the signs. Know what to do.
Understanding heart attack symptoms, emergency warning signs, and recovery care can save lives. Tap a topic below to read more.
This information is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Always follow your own doctor's instructions for your specific condition.
In a medical emergency, call for help immediately do not wait.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
A heart attack is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to part of the heart is blocked, damaging the heart muscle. Recognising symptoms early and seeking immediate care can save lives and reduce permanent heart damage.
Common Symptoms
Chest Pain or Discomfort
Pressure, tightness, heaviness, squeezing, or fullness
Lasts more than a few minutes, or comes and
goes May worsen with activity
Pain Radiating Elsewhere
Left arm (most common), both arms, shoulder, neck, jaw, back,
upper abdomen
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing or catching your
breath May occur with or without chest pain
Cold Sweating
Sudden excessive sweating
Cold, clammy skin without physical activity
Nausea or Vomiting
Nausea, vomiting, indigestion-like discomfort, stomach pain
Unusual Fatigue
upper abdomenEspecially common in women
Extreme tiredness, weakness, difficulty with routine activity
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Feeling faint, loss of balance, collapse in severe cases
Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat
Palpitations, racing or irregular pulse
Symptoms in Women
- Unusual fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Back, jaw, or neck pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion
- Dizziness
- Mild chest discomfort rather than severe chest pain
Older Adults & People with Diabetes
Some may have silent or atypical heart attacks with:
- Mild chest discomfort or none at all
- Breathlessness, weakness, confusion
- Excessive sweating, sudden fatigue
Seek Emergency Care Immediately If You Experience:
- Chest pain lasting more than 5 minutes
- Chest pain spreading to arm, jaw, shoulder, or back
- Difficulty breathing or cold sweating
- Sudden collapse or unconsciousness
- Severe dizziness or persistent nausea with chest discomfort
Do not drive yourself if symptoms are severe call for an ambulance.
What to Do If You Suspect a Heart Attack
1 . Call emergency medical services immediately.
2 . Stay calm and sit or lie down while waiting for help.
3 . Loosen tight clothing.
4 . If advised by a healthcare professional and not allergic, chew one adult aspirin (300–325 mg) or the locally recommended dose.
5 . If prescribed, use nitroglycerin as directed.
6 . Do not ignore symptoms or wait for them to go away.
7 . Reach a hospital with 24×7 emergency cardiac care as quickly as possible.
Risk Factors
- High blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Obesity, physical inactivity
- Family history of heart disease
- Chronic stress, excessive alcohol, increasing age
Older Adults & People with Diabetes
- Heart-healthy diet — fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein
- At least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
- Maintain a healthy weight; stop smoking
- Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
- Take prescribed medications regularly; regular check-ups
When to Go to the Hospital Immediately
Knowing when to seek emergency care can save your life. Do not ignore serious symptoms or wait to see if they improve.
1. Chest Pain or Pressure
Lasting more than 5 minutes
Spreading to arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back
With sweating, nausea, or breathlessness
2. Difficulty Breathing
Severe shortness of breath, even at rest
Wheezing or gasping
Blue lips or fingertips
3. Irregular Heartbeat
Palpitations with dizziness
Fainting or near-fainting
Very fast or very slow heartbeat with weakness
4. Signs of a Stroke Remember FAST
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call for help immediately
5. Fainting or Loss of Consciousness
Sudden collapse or unconsciousness
Does not wake up promptly
Repeated fainting episodes
6. Sudden Swelling or Severe Pain
Leg swelling with breathlessness
Severe chest, abdomen, or back pain
Sudden cold, pale, or painful limb
7. Uncontrolled Bleeding
Bleeding that won’t stop with pressure
Vomiting blood, or black/bloody stools
8. High Fever with Serious Symptoms
Swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat
Difficulty breathing; widespread rash
9. Persistent Vomiting / Abdominal Pain
Severe abdominal pain
Vomiting blood; swollen or rigid abdomen
10. Severe Allergic Reaction
Swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat
Difficulty breathing; widespread rash
Symptoms in Women
- Unusual fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Back, jaw, or neck pain
- Nausea, vomiting, or indigestion
- Dizziness
- Mild chest discomfort rather than severe chest pain
Older Adults & People with Diabetes
Some may have silent or atypical heart attacks with:
- Mild chest discomfort or none at all
- Breathlessness, weakness, confusion
- Excessive sweating, sudden fatigue
For Heart Patients Go Immediately If You Experience:
- Chest pain lasting more than 5 minutes
- Sudden shortness of breath or severe palpitations
- Fainting, or sudden leg swelling with breathing difficulty
- A blood pressure reading with chest pain, severe headache, or confusion
- Symptoms after angioplasty, bypass, or pacemaker implantation chest pain, severe bleeding, or loss of consciousness
What You Should Do
1 . Call emergency medical services immediately.
2 . If available, request a cardiac-equipped ambulance.
3 . Stay calm and avoid unnecessary movement.
4 . Keep current medications and medical records ready, if possible.
5 . Do not drive yourself if experiencing severe symptoms.
Post-Angioplasty Care Instructions
Angioplasty (PCI) opens blocked or narrowed coronary arteries to improve blood flow. Proper care after the procedure supports a smooth recovery and lowers the risk of future heart problems.
Immediately After the Procedure
- Rest as advised by your healthcare team
- Keep the catheter insertion site (wrist or groin) clean and dry
- Drink plenty of water, unless advised otherwise, to help flush the contrast dye
- Follow all discharge instructions; do not drive until your doctor confirms it's safe
- Inspect daily for redness, swelling, excessive bruising, bleeding, or discharge
- A small bruise or mild tenderness is normal — avoid rubbing or scratching
- Keep the dressing clean and change as instructed
- Keep the dressing clean and change as instructed
Medications
Take exactly as prescribed — blood thinners, cholesterol and blood pressure medicines, diabetes medicines, and other heart medications.
Important: Never stop blood-thinning medication without consulting your cardiologist, especially with a coronary stent implanted.
First 24–48 Hours
- Get adequate rest
- Walk short distances at home
- Avoid lifting more than 5–10 kg
- Avoid strenuous exercise
During the First Week
- Gradually increase walking daily
- Avoid vigorous exercise unless approved
- Follow doctor's guidance on returning to work
Healthy Lifestyle Changes
- Heart-healthy diet fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein; limit salt, fried and processed food
- Stop smoking
- Once approved: walk 30–45 minutes most days; consider supervised cardiac rehabilitation
- Keep blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight controlled
Follow-Up Care
Attend all scheduled appointments — your doctor may recommend ECG, echocardiogram, blood tests, stress testing, or medication review.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Chest pain similar to your previous heart attack or angina
- Shortness of breath, severe dizziness, or fainting
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Heavy bleeding, sudden swelling, or severe pain at the insertion site
- Coldness, numbness, or discoloration of the treated arm or leg
- Fever above 38°C (100.4°F), chills, or signs of infection
- Sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, facial drooping, or loss of vision
Long-Term Heart Care
Angioplasty treats existing blockages but does not cure coronary artery disease. Long-term heart health depends on medications, diet, exercise, avoiding tobacco, managing stress, and regular cardiology follow-up.
Post-Bypass Surgery (CABG) Lifestyle Guidelines
CABG surgery improves blood flow to your heart, but it does not cure coronary artery disease. A heart-healthy lifestyle protects your heart, prevents future blockages, and improves quality of life.
1. Take Medications as Prescribed
Never stop or change medicines without consulting your cardiologist. May include blood thinners, statins, blood pressure medicines, diabetes medication, and rhythm/heart function medicines. Take at the same time every day.
2. Heart-Healthy Diet — Eat More
- Fresh fruits & vegetables, whole grains
- Low-fat dairy, lentils, beans, pulses
- Oily fish, skinless chicken
- Nuts and seeds in moderation
limit
- Salt under 5g/day unless advised otherwise
- Fried food, butter, ghee, cream
- Processed food, sugary drinks and sweets
- Red and processed meat
3. Stay Physically Active
- Walking daily, gentle stretching, light household activity, cardiac rehab if recommended
- Aim for 30+ minutes moderate activity most days, once approved
- Avoid lifting more than 5–10 kg and strenuous exercise for the first 6–8 weeks
4. Protect Your Breastbone (Sternum) First 6–8 Weeks
- Avoid lifting heavy objects or sudden twisting movements
- Support your chest with a pillow while coughing or sneezing
- Follow your surgeon's instructions on arm movements
5. Maintain Healthy Weight
Balanced meals, regular exercise
Monitor weight weekly
6. Stop Smoking Completely
Avoid second-hand smoke
Ask about cessation support
7. Alcohol Only If Approved
Moderation only; avoid binge drinking
8. Control BP, Diabetes & Cholesterol
Regular check-ups; follow treatment plan
9. Manage Stress
Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga (once approved)
Seek help if anxious or low
10. Get 7–8 Hours of Sleep
Supports healing and heart health
11. Attend Cardiac Rehabilitation
Supervised exercise, education, nutrition counselling, emotional support
12. Keep Follow-Up Appointments
Monitors recovery; adjusts medication
Never miss scheduled visits
13. Resuming Daily Activities
- Walking: begin as advised, gradually increase distance
- Driving: usually after 4–6 weeks, once approved
- Returning to work: typically 6–12 weeks depending on recovery and job type
- Sexual activity: usually safe after 4–6 weeks if you can climb two flights of stairs comfortably — follow your doctor's advice
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Chest pain or pressure similar to previous angina
- Shortness of breath at rest, or worsening breathlessness
- Fainting, loss of consciousness, or rapid/irregular heartbeat with dizziness
- Leg swelling with sudden weight gain
- Fever above 38°C with redness, swelling, or discharge from the chest wound
- Excessive bleeding from the incision, or severe pain not relieved by medication
- Sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or facial drooping
Diet Recommendations After Cardiac Treatment
A heart-healthy diet supports recovery after angioplasty, bypass surgery, heart attack, valve surgery, or heart failure treatment improving heart function, controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, and reducing future risk.
GOALS
- Promote recovery and healing
- Reduce cholesterol and triglycerides; control blood pressure and blood sugar
- Maintain a healthy body weight; prevent future heart disease
Whole Grains
Whole wheat chapati, brown rice, oats
Millets (bajra, jowar, ragi), whole grain bread
Fruits & Vegetables 5–7 servings/day
Apples, oranges, papaya, guava, berries, banana (moderation if
diabetic)
Spinach, broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, bottle gourd, pumpkin, bean
Healthy Protein
Oily fish 1–2×/week, skinless chicken
Dal, beans, chickpeas, soy, low-fat dairy, egg whites
Healthy Fats In Moderation
Olive, groundnut, mustard, rice bran, sunflower oil
Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds limit oil to 3–4 tsp/day
Foods to Limit or Avoid
- High-salt foods: pickles, papad, chips, namkeen, instant noodles, processed/canned/fast food — keep under 5g salt/day
- Saturated & trans fats: ghee, butter, cream, fried food, bakery items, pizza, burgers
- Sugary foods: soft drinks, sweets, ice cream, chocolates — especially important with diabetes
- Red & processed meat: mutton, beef, sausages, salami, bacon — choose lean protein instead
Fluid Intake
Drink adequate water unless advised otherwise. Heart failure patients may need to limit daily fluid intake, monitor daily weight, and follow physician guidance.
Healthy Eating Habits
- Eat smaller meals 4–6 times daily; never skip breakfast
- Eat slowly, chew well, avoid overeating or eating late
- Include plenty of fiber; read nutrition labels
Healthy Cooking Methods
- Choose: steaming, boiling, grilling, baking, roasting, pressure cooking
- Avoid: deep frying, reusing oil, heavy cream/butter gravies