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While many heart attack patients recover fully, some heart attacks can cause complications such as heart failure, a chronic (long-term), disabling condition. Heart attacks can prove rapidly fatal if they are not recognised and treated immediately. If you think you may be having a heart attack, you must seek medical attention immediately. You may be advised to chew an aspirin tablet. Aspirin inhibits (prevents) blood clotting which helps to maintain blood flow through a narrowed artery.

If you’re with someone you think may be having a heart attack, call an ambulance immediately. While you are waiting for the ambulance to arrive, you can help by keeping them calm and getting them to sit down and rest. If the person loses consciousness and stops breathing, if you are able, you should begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. This will help to keep them alive until emergency help arrives.

Many people think that if you have had one heart attack, they will have further heart attacks. This is not true - it is very unusual for a person to have a series of heart attacks. Taking your prescribed medicines and making changes to your lifestyle will significantly reduce your chances of having another heart attack.