Does myocardial infarction always cause severe chest pain?
Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a “heart attack”, usually occurs when a blood vessel supplying the heart muscle is suddenly blocked, causing part of the heart muscle to become deprived of blood and damaged. Fatty deposits and blood clots in coronary arteries are common underlying causes.
Common symptoms include:
- Chest pressure, tightness, heaviness or burning sensation
- Pain spreading to the arm, shoulder, back, neck or jaw
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat, nausea, dizziness or sudden weakness
Not all patients have typical severe chest pain. Older adults, women and people with diabetes may have less obvious symptoms, such as shortness of breath, tiredness, stomach discomfort or dizziness.
What should I do if myocardial infarction is suspected?
Myocardial infarction is a medical emergency. If chest discomfort persists, recurs, or is accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, nausea or dizziness, call 999 for an ambulance immediately. Do not drive to hospital by yourself or wait for symptoms to go away.
Do not take another person’s heart medication. Aspirin or prescribed nitroglycerin should only be used as instructed by emergency personnel or healthcare professionals, as some patients may have drug allergy, bleeding risk or other contraindications.
Should patients avoid exercise after their condition is stable?
Not necessarily. After medical assessment, cardiac rehabilitation can support recovery through progressive exercise, health education, psychological support and risk factor management.
Rehabilitation may include inpatient care, early post-discharge support, outpatient training and long-term maintenance.
Exercise intensity should be based on heart function, symptoms, medication and medical advice. Do not start high-intensity exercise by yourself. Stop activity and seek medical assistance if chest pain, unusual shortness of breath, dizziness or palpitations occur.
How to prevent another myocardial infarction?
Key modifiable risk factors include smoking, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, abnormal blood lipids, and overweight or obesity.
Quitting smoking, having a balanced diet, reducing salt and saturated fat intake, gradually resuming physical activity, and properly managing blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol can help reduce risk.
After discharge, take medications as prescribed and attend follow-up appointments. Antiplatelet medicines, cholesterol-lowering medicines and other cardiovascular medications have different roles. Patients should not reduce the dose or stop medication by themselves, even if they feel well.
Reference:
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