Barts and The London Heart Attack Centre | For patients, families and visitors | What is a heart attack?
What is a heart attack?
Watch the British Heart Foundation's film about what it's like to have a heart attack - www.2minutes.org.uk.
Learn 'hands-only' CPR to the beat of 'Staying Alive' with Vinnie Jones - click on the link for details.
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, is a condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart is blocked. This is caused when a coronary artery, or one of it’s smaller branches, is blocked and this prevents the blood flowing through to the heart. When part of the heart loses its blood supply, the heart muscle is at risk of dying unless the blockage is removed.
The symptoms of a heart attack include severe chest pain, chest tightness or indigestion which may also travel up into your jaw, into the left or both arms. You may also have shortness of breath, feel faint, feel sick and sweat.
If you suspect you are having a heart attack, you should dial 999 for an ambulance immediately. The London Ambulance Service is specially trained to diagnose heart attacks. Calling anyone else will delay the diagnosis and treatment. The earlier the treatment, the better the chance of a good outcome.
For more information, please download the British Heart Foundation's leaflet about heart attacks below.
Download British Heart Foundation leaflet about heart attacks.
