Heart attack - symptoms, signs, complications and treatments

<!DOCTYPE html>  <html lang="en-AU"> <head> <title>Heart attack - symptoms, signs, complications and treatments | healthdirect</title> <script src="https://www.google.com/recaptcha/api.js?render=6LeuO7AbAAAAAFFZKM3tkkJpyASWHzTJ-_fpMK7y" async defer></script> <meta name="apple-itunes-app" content="app-id=1021494621"> <meta name="description" content="Acting fast when you notice the warning signs of a heart attack could save a life. Here's how to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack."> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <meta name="referrer" content="always" /> <meta name="DC.Format" schema="DCterms:IMT" content="text/html" /><meta name="DC.Type" content="text/html"> <meta name="DC.Title" xml:lang="EN" content="Heart attack" /> <meta name="DC.Creator" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Subject" xml:lang="EN" content="Heart,Heart Attack"> <meta name="DC.Publisher" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Date" scheme="ISO8601" content="2024-11-14T04:46:54.098Z"> <meta name="DC.Description" xml:lang="EN" content="Acting fast when you notice the warning signs of a heart attack could save a life. Here's how to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack."> <meta name="DC.Rights" content="Healthdirect Australia"> <meta name="DC.Language" content="en-AU"> <meta property="og:title" content="Heart attack" > <meta property="og:type" content="article" > <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack" > <meta property="og:image" content="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/inline/original/healthdirect_logo.png"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack"> <link rel="amphtml" href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/amp/article/heart-attack"> <script type="application/ld+json">{"mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is a heart attack?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Question1","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What is a heart attack? Answer","associatedMedia":"https://youtu.be/I20jE9dBcZY","text":"To work properly, your heart needs a continuous supply of blood. It normally receives this from blood vessels called coronary arteries. When a coronary artery suddenly becomes blocked, oxygen can’t get to your heart muscle. This causes a heart attack (or ‘myocardial infarction’). A heart attack is a medical emergency: without oxygen, your heart muscle begins to die and your heart can become permanently damaged. Heart attacks can be fatal — every day, 17 Australians die from a heart attack. One patient is admitted to hospital due to heart attack every 13 minutes.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Answer1"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the symptoms of a heart attack?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Question2","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What are the symptoms of a heart attack? Answer","text":"If you have any of the symptoms below, you could be having a heart attack. If symptoms are severe, get worse, or last longer than 10 minutes, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance. If calling triple zero (000) does not work on your mobile, try calling 112. The most common symptoms of a heart attack are: chest pain — pressure or tightness in your chest that may spread to your jaw, neck or left arm suddenly feeling dizzy, faint, light-headed or anxious nausea or vomiting a feeling of indigestion sweating, or a cold sweat looking pale shortness of breath or difficulty breathing palpitations (being aware of your heart beating) Chest pain may come and go. Heart attack symptoms in females Females may experience different symptoms, such as: breathlessness and generally feeling unwell tightness or discomfort in your arms chest pain that feels more like burning, throbbing, tightness or like trapped wind a feeling of indigestion or upper tummy pain upper back pain or pressure Heart attack symptoms differ from person to person. Some people experience no warning signs before a heart attack. It’s possible to not feel any chest pain at all.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Answer2"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What causes heart attacks?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Question3","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"What causes heart attacks? Answer","text":"The most common cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease. This is where fatty deposits, cholesterol and other substances build up in the walls of your coronary arteries that supply oxygen to your heart. Over time, this build-up hardens into cholesterol plaques. The plaque can rupture (burst) and cause a blood clot which blocks your artery. In some cases, heart attacks have another cause. Coronary artery spasm (variant angina) is an unusual narrowing of blood vessels that can stop blood flow to your heart. Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a sudden tear in the wall of your coronary artery. Certain lifestyle factors are shown to increase your chances of having a heart attack. These include: smoking an unhealthy diet high in saturated fat, salt and added sugar not getting enough physical activity having high blood pressure having high cholesterol having diabetes being overweight or obese.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Answer3","url":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#causes"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How are heart attacks diagnosed?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Question5","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How are heart attacks diagnosed? Answer","text":"If you think you might be having a heart attack, you need immediate assessment in hospital. There, a doctor will assess your symptoms and check your vital signs, including your blood pressure, pulse and temperature. There are several tests that help show if you’ve had a heart attack, and whether any damage was caused. These include: electrocardiogram (ECG) — electrical leads are placed on your chest, arms and legs to record the electrical signals travelling through your heart muscle troponin blood tests chest x-ray angiography (or, cardiac catheterisation) — a small tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in your groin or your wrist, which can then be guided to your heart where a special dye is injected into the coronary arteries to show if there is a narrowing or blockage echocardiogram — an ultrasound scan of your heart CT scan or MRI scan of the heart","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Answer5"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How are heart attacks treated?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Question6","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"How are heart attacks treated? Answer","text":"When treating a heart attack it is important to restore blood flow to your heart quickly. Heart muscle cells depend on oxygen and the longer your heart is without oxygen, the more permanent and widespread the damage. Treating the blocked artery Treatments that can restore blood flow to your heart include the following. Coronary angioplasty is a procedure where the blocked coronary artery is opened up from the inside using a special balloon inserted during cardiac catheterisation. Your artery may then be kept open with a special metal tube (stent). Thrombolytic therapy uses a medicine to dissolve the blood clot in your blocked coronary artery. Bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft surgery, or CABG) is open heart surgery that involves redirecting blood to bypass (go around) the blockage in your coronary artery. Medications Medicines are given to treat a heart attack and prevent the risk of another heart attack. These include: pain relievers medicines that reduce the blood’s clotting action, such as aspirin, or other blood-thinning medicines nitrate medicines to improve blood flow through the coronary arteries heart and blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta blockers) cholesterol-lowering medicines Cardiac rehabilitation If you are recovering from a heart attack you may be referred for cardiac rehabilitation. This service provides support during your recovery and helps reduce your risk of heart disease.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Answer6"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Does COVID-19 cause heart attacks?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Question9","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"Does COVID-19 cause heart attacks? Answer","text":"A heart attack is a possible complication of COVID-19. COVID-19 can also worsen existing heart conditions. When people with cardiovascular disease catch COVID-19, they have a higher risk of severe complications. Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu to help protect yourself and others. The Heart Foundation has more information about COVID-19 and heart disease.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Answer9"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is a cardiac arrest the same thing as a heart attack?","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Question10","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","name":"Is a cardiac arrest the same thing as a heart attack? Answer","text":"A cardiac arrest and a heart attack are both medical emergencies. However, they are not the same thing. During a cardiac arrest, the electrical system that controls your heart rate and rhythm stops working properly, and your heart stops beating. Someone having a cardiac arrest will collapse and have no pulse. They may not breathe properly, or not at all, and they will lose consciousness. If someone has a cardiac arrest, they need help immediately. Call 000 (triple zero) for an ambulance. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, begin chest compressions (cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR). Use a device called a defibrillator, if available. Sometimes a heart attack can progress into a cardiac arrest.","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack#Answer10"}}],"keywords":"Cardiac arrest","@type":"FAQPage","author":{"knowsAbout":"https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q31207","@type":"Organization","name":"healthdirect","logo":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/#ImageObject","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/","url":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/"},"name":"Heart attack","description":"Acting fast when you notice the warning signs of a heart attack could save a life. Here's how to recognise the symptoms of a heart attack.","dateModified":"2024-09-09T15:38:00Z","alternateName":"Acute Myocardial Infarction","@id":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack","@context":"http://schema.org","url":"https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack","sameAs":["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12152","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myocardial_infarction"]}</script> <script src="https://cdn-oc.readspeaker.com/script/8207/webReader/webReader.js?pids=wr" type="text/javascript" id="rs_req_Init"></script> <script> dataLayer = []; </script>  <script>(function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-MHFB33K');</script>  <link rel="apple-touch-icon" sizes="180x180" href="/assets/images/apple-touch-icon.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="512x512" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-512x512.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="192x192" href="/assets/images/android-chrome-192x192.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="32x32" href="/assets/images/favicon-32x32.png"> <link rel="icon" type="image/png" sizes="16x16" href="/assets/images/favicon-16x16.png">  <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="/assets/711/styles/main.css"> <style type="text/css"> .grecaptcha-badge{ display:none; 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}; function onError(error) {}</script> </div> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> initialiseSocialShare('socialshare-node-desktop-mode', "https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack"); </script> </span> </div> <div id="readspeaker_button1" class="rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve"> <a rel="nofollow" class="rsbtn_play" accesskey="L" title="Listen to this page using ReadSpeaker" href="//app-oc.readspeaker.com/cgi-bin/rsent?customerid=8207&lang=en_au&readid=mainContentArticleText&url=https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/heart-attack"> <span class="rsbtn_left rsimg rspart"><span class="rsbtn_text"><span>Listen</span></span></span> <span class="rsbtn_right rsimg rsplay rspart"></span> </a> </div> </header> <div class="main_content-body-text"><div class="cont_layout-container"> <div class="cont_layout-media-object"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object-left dor-icon_warning" style="color:#e25553; font-size: 36px;"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object-right cont_label-small"><strong>Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else <a href="/heart-attack#symptoms" target="_blank"></a>may be having a heart attack.</strong></p> </div> </div> <div class="cont_layout-standout"> <h2>Key facts</h2> <ul> <li>A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to your heart is blocked and your heart muscle can’t get enough oxygen.</li> <li>Common symptoms of a heart attack are chest pain, feeling breathless and sweating.</li> <li>Heart attacks are mostly caused by coronary heart disease.</li> <li>You can reduce your risk of having a heart attack by adopting a healthy lifestyle.</li> </ul> </div> <nav class="cont_nav-index-table__double-col"> <h2>On this page</h2> <ul> <li><a href="#what-is">What is a heart attack?</a></li> <li><a href="#symptoms">What are the symptoms of a heart attack?</a></li> <li><a href="#causes">What causes heart attacks?</a></li> <li><a href="#doctor">When should I see my doctor?</a></li> <li><a href="#diagnosed">How are heart attacks diagnosed?</a></li> <li><a href="#treated">How are heart attacks treated?</a></li> <li><a href="#prevent">How can I prevent a heart attack?</a></li> <li><a href="#complications">Complications of a heart attack <li><a href="#cardiac-arrest">Is a cardiac arrest the same thing as a heart attack?</a></li> <li><a href="#covid-19">Does COVID-19 cause heart attacks?</a></li> <li><a href="#after">Life after a heart attack</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">Resources and support</a></li> <li><a href="#searchGeneralResults">Related information on Australian websites</a></li> </ul> </nav> <h2 id="what-is">What is a heart attack?</h2> <p>To work properly, your heart needs a continuous supply of blood. It normally receives this from <a href="/blood-and-blood-vessels">blood vessels</a> called coronary arteries.</p> <p>When a coronary artery suddenly becomes blocked, oxygen can’t get to your heart muscle. This causes a heart attack (or ‘myocardial infarction’).</p> <p>A heart attack is a medical emergency: without oxygen, your heart muscle begins to die and your heart can become permanently damaged.</p> <p>Heart attacks can be fatal — every day, 17 Australians die from a heart attack. One patient is admitted to hospital due to heart attack every 13 minutes.</p> <figure> <div class="cont_iframe-video cont_youtube-video"> <iframe width="560" height="315" data-vid-id="I20jE9dBcZY" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I20jE9dBcZY" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div> <figcaption>Watch this video on heart attack symptoms from <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/" target="_blank">Heart Foundation</a>.</figcaption> </figure> <h2 id="symptoms">What are the symptoms of a heart attack?</h2> <p class="cont_layout-standout"><strong>If you have any of the symptoms below, you could be having a heart attack. If symptoms are severe, get worse, or last longer than 10 minutes, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance. If calling triple zero (000) does not work on your mobile, try calling 112.</strong></p> <p>The most common symptoms of a heart attack are:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/chest-pain">chest pain</a> — pressure or tightness in your chest that may spread to your jaw, neck or left arm</li> <li>suddenly feeling <a href="/dizziness">dizzy</a>, <a href="/fainting">faint</a>, <a href="/lightheadedness">light-headed</a> or <a href="/anxiety">anxious</a></li> <li><a href="/nausea">nausea</a> or <a href="/vomiting">vomiting</a></li> <li>a feeling of indigestion</li> <li>sweating, or a cold sweat</li> <li>looking pale</li> <li>shortness of breath or <a href="/shortness-of-breath">difficulty breathing</a></li> <li><a href="/heart-palpitations">palpitations</a> (being aware of your heart beating)</li> </ul> <p>Chest pain may come and go.</p> <h3>Heart attack symptoms in females</h3> <p>Females may experience different symptoms, such as:</p> <ul> <li>breathlessness and generally feeling unwell</li> <li>tightness or discomfort in your arms</li> <li>chest pain that feels more like burning, throbbing, tightness or like trapped wind</li> <li>a feeling of indigestion or upper tummy pain</li> <li><a href="/upper-back-thoracic-pain">upper back pain</a> or pressure</li> </ul> <p>Heart attack symptoms differ from person to person. Some people experience no warning signs before a heart attack. It’s possible to not feel any chest pain at all.</p> <a href="/symptom-checker" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_user-md"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS</strong> — Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Symptom Checker</strong> and find out if you need to seek medical help.</p> </a> <h2 id="causes">What causes heart attacks?</h2> <p>The most common cause of a heart attack is <a href="/coronary-heart-disease-and-atherosclerosis">coronary artery disease</a>. This is where fatty deposits, <a href="/cholesterol">cholesterol</a> and other substances build up in the walls of your coronary arteries that supply oxygen to your heart.</p> <p>Over time, this build-up hardens into cholesterol plaques. The plaque can rupture (burst) and cause a blood clot which blocks your artery.</p> <p>In some cases, heart attacks have another cause.</p> <ul> <li>Coronary artery spasm (variant angina) is an unusual narrowing of blood vessels that can stop blood flow to your heart.</li> <li>Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is a sudden tear in the wall of your coronary artery.</li> </ul> <p>Certain lifestyle factors are shown to increase your chances of having a heart attack. These include:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/quit-smoking-vaping">smoking</a></li> <li>an unhealthy diet high in <a href="/dietary-fats">saturated fat</a>, <a href="/salt">salt</a> and <a href="/sugar">added sugar</a></li> <li>not getting enough <a href="/fitness-and-exercise">physical activity</a></li> <li>having <a href="/high-blood-pressure-hypertension">high blood pressure</a></li> <li>having high <a href="/cholesterol">cholesterol</a></li> <li>having <a href="/type-2-diabetes">diabetes</a></li> <li>being <a href="/obesity">overweight or obese</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="doctor">When should I see my doctor?</h2> <div class="cont_layout-standout"> <p><strong>Call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance, if you or someone near you experiences symptoms of a heart attack that are:</strong></p> <ol> <strong> <li>severe</li> <li>getting worse, or</li> <li>lasting longer than 10 minutes</li> </strong> </ol> </div> <p>If calling triple zero (000) does not work on your mobile, try calling 112. Early treatment could save a life.</p> <p>See your doctor regularly to manage your health. Your doctor can test for heart disease risk factors and help you take steps to prevent a heart attack.</p> <a href="/australian-health-services" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_hospital"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>FIND A HEALTH SERVICE</strong> — The <strong class="cont_underline">Service Finder</strong> can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.</p> </a> <h2 id="diagnosed">How are heart attacks diagnosed?</h2> <p>If you think you might be having a heart attack, you need immediate assessment in hospital. There, a doctor will assess your symptoms and check your vital signs, including your <a href="/what-is-a-healthy-blood-pressure">blood pressure</a>, pulse and temperature.</p> <p>There are several tests that help show if you’ve had a heart attack, and whether any damage was caused. These include:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/electrocardiogram-ecg">electrocardiogram</a> (ECG) — electrical leads are placed on your chest, arms and legs to record the electrical signals travelling through your heart muscle</li> <li>troponin blood tests</li> <li>chest <a href="/x-rays">x-ray</a></li> <li><a href="/angiogram">angiography</a> (or, <a href="/cardiac-catheterisation">cardiac catheterisation</a>) — a small tube (catheter) is inserted into an artery in your groin or your wrist, which can then be guided to your heart where a special dye is injected into the coronary arteries to show if there is a narrowing or blockage</li> <li>echocardiogram — an ultrasound scan of your heart</li> <li><a href="/ct-scan">CT scan</a> or <a href="/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri">MRI scan</a> of the heart</li> </ul> <h2 id="treated">How are heart attacks treated?</h2> <p>When treating a heart attack it is important to restore blood flow to your heart quickly. Heart muscle cells depend on oxygen and the longer your heart is without oxygen, the more permanent and widespread the damage.</p> <h3>Treating the blocked artery</h3> <p>Treatments that can restore blood flow to your heart include the following.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Coronary <a href="/angioplasty">angioplasty</a></strong> is a procedure where the blocked coronary artery is opened up from the inside using a special balloon inserted during cardiac catheterisation. Your artery may then be kept open with a special metal tube (stent).</li> <li><strong>Thrombolytic therapy</strong> uses a medicine to dissolve the blood clot in your blocked coronary artery.</li> <li><strong>Bypass surgery</strong> (<a href="/surgery/coronary-artery-bypass-graft">coronary artery bypass graft surgery</a>, or CABG) is open heart surgery that involves redirecting blood to bypass (go around) the blockage in your coronary artery.</li> </ul> <h3>Medications</h3> <p>Medicines are given to treat a heart attack and prevent the risk of another heart attack. These include:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/pain-relief-medicines">pain relievers</a></li> <li>medicines that reduce the blood’s clotting action, such as <a href="/medicines/medicinal-product/aht,10203/aspirin">aspirin</a>, or other blood-thinning medicines</li> <li>nitrate medicines to improve blood flow through the coronary arteries</li> <li>heart and blood pressure medicines (<a href="/angiotensin-converting-enzyme-inhibitors-ace-and-angiotensin-receptor-blockers-arbs">ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers</a>, <a href="/beta-blockers">beta blockers</a>)</li> <li><a href="/statins">cholesterol-lowering medicines</a></li> </ul> <h3>Cardiac rehabilitation</h3> <p>If you are recovering from a heart attack you may be referred for cardiac rehabilitation. This service provides support during your recovery and helps reduce your risk of heart disease.</p> <a href="/question-builder" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_question"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>ASK YOUR DOCTOR</strong> — Preparing for an appointment? Use the <strong class="cont_underline">Question Builder</strong> for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.</p> </a> <h2 id="prevent">How can I prevent a heart attack?</h2> <p>Making positive lifestyle changes is the best way to lower your risk of a heart attack.</p> <p>There are a number of ways you can improve your heart health:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/quit-smoking-vaping">quitting smoking</a></li> <li>eating a <a href="/healthy-heart-diet">healthy diet</a></li> <li>seeing your doctor to help manage your <a href="/cholesterol">cholesterol</a> and <a href="/how-to-lower-blood-pressure">blood pressure</a></li> <li>staying physically active and exercising regularly</li> <li>maintaining a healthy weight</li> <li><a href="/managing-your-alcohol-intake">drinking alcohol</a> in moderation</li> <li>reducing <a href="/stress">stress</a> and looking after your <a href="/mental-health-conditions">mental wellbeing</a></li> </ul> <p>There are also other risk factors that you can’t control, like your: age, sex, ethnicity and <a href="/family-medical-history">family history</a>.</p> <p>Speak with your doctor if you’re concerned about your risk factors. They can give you tips on how you can reduce your risk of a heart attack.</p> <a href="/bmi-calculator" class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-left dor-icon_fruit-apple"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object__icon-standout-right"><strong>NEED TO LOSE WEIGHT?</strong> — Use the <strong class="cont_underline">BMI Calculator</strong> to find out if your weight and waist size are in a healthy range.</p> </a> <h2 id="complications">Complications of a heart attack</h2> <p>Complications following a heart attack can be serious. Some complications include the following:</p> <ul> <li><a href="/heart-arrhythmias">Arrhythmias</a> — your heart may develop an abnormal heartbeat following a heart attack due to your damaged heart muscle disrupting electrical signals.</li> <li><a href="/heart-failure">Heart failure</a> — your heart may have difficulty pumping enough blood, due to the muscles being too weak or too stiff.</li> <li>Cardiogenic shock — a life-threatening condition where your heart suddenly can’t pump enough blood to your body.</li> <li>Heart rupture — this is a rare but serious complication in which your heart’s muscles, walls or valves split apart.</li> </ul> <h2 id="cardiac-arrest">Is a cardiac arrest the same thing as a heart attack?</h2> <p>A <a href="/cardiac-arrest">cardiac arrest</a> and a heart attack are both medical emergencies. However, they are not the same thing.</p> <p>During a cardiac arrest, the electrical system that controls your heart rate and rhythm stops working properly, and your heart stops beating.</p> <p>Someone having a cardiac arrest will collapse and have no pulse. They may not breathe properly, or not at all, and they will lose consciousness.</p> <div class="cont_layout-container"> <div class="cont_layout-media-object"> <i class="cont_layout-media-object-left dor-icon_warning" style="color:#e25553; font-size: 36px;"></i> <p class="cont_layout-media-object-right cont_label-small"><strong>If someone has a cardiac arrest, they need help immediately. Call 000 (triple zero) for an ambulance.</strong></p> </div> </div> <p>While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, begin chest compressions (cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR). Use a device called a <a href="/defibrillators">defibrillator</a>, if available.</p> <p>Sometimes a heart attack can progress into a cardiac arrest.</p> <h2 id="covid-19">Does COVID-19 cause heart attacks?</h2> <p>A heart attack is a possible complication of <a href="/covid-19">COVID-19</a>. COVID-19 can also worsen existing heart conditions.</p> <p>When people with cardiovascular disease catch COVID-19, they have a higher risk of severe complications.</p> <p>Get <a href="/covid-19/vaccinations">vaccinated against COVID-19</a> and the <a href="/flu-vaccine-faqs">flu</a> to help protect yourself and others.</p> <p>The Heart Foundation has more information about <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/covid-19-and-heart-disease-risks" target="_blank">COVID-19 and heart disease</a>.</p> <h2 id="after">Life after a heart attack</h2> <p>Recovering from a heart attack can be both emotionally and physically challenging. Hearing stories from others who have experienced a heart attack can help.</p> <p>The Heart Foundation have shared several <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-stories" target="_blank">people’s "heart stories"</a> on their website.</p> <h2 id="resources">Resources and support</h2> <p>Support and information on heart attack and heart health are also available from the <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/bundles/support/my-heart-my-life" target="_blank">Heart Foundation</a>.</p> <p>The Heart Foundation has a warning signs of <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/getmedia/0b0d3d10-c464-4227-bd7b-59264f57c6eb/Heart_Attack_Action_Plan.pdf" target="_blank">heart attack action plan</a>. There are instructions on what to do if you have chest pain or other possible signs of a heart attack.</p> <p>You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.</p> <h3>Other languages</h3> <p>Do you prefer to read languages other than English? The Heart Foundation has <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/Heart-health-education/Info-lote" target="_blank">fact sheets on heart health translated into more than 25 languages</a>.</p></div> <footer class="main_content-article-text-footer"> <div> <h4>Source<span>s</span>:</h4> <span> <a href="https://healthywa.wa.gov.au" target="_blank" title="Department of Health Western Australia">Department of Health Western Australia</a> <em>(Heart Health (Cardiovascular))<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au" target="_blank" title="The Heart Foundation">The Heart Foundation</a> <em>(How your heart works)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/" target="_blank" title="Heart Foundation">Heart Foundation</a> <em>(Heart attack risk factors)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.victorchang.edu.au" target="_blank" title="Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute">Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute</a> <em>(Arrhythmia)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov" target="_blank" title="Journal of the American Medical Association">Journal of the American Medical Association</a> <em>(Association of age and sex with myocardial infarction symptom presentation and in-hospital mortality)<span></span></em>, <a href="http://www.nhs.uk/" target="_blank" title="NHS Choices, UK">NHS Choices, UK</a> <em>(Complications)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au" target="_blank" title="Heart Foundation">Heart Foundation</a> <em>(Heart attack)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au" target="_blank" title="Heart Foundation">Heart Foundation</a> <em>(Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD))<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au" target="_blank" title="Heart Foundation">Heart Foundation</a> <em>(Are you at risk of heart disease?)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au" target="_blank" title="Heart Foundation">Heart Foundation</a> <em>(Heart procedures and devices)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au" target="_blank" title="Heart Foundation">Heart Foundation</a> <em>(Heart attack medication)<span></span></em>, <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au" target="_blank" title="Heart Foundation">Heart Foundation</a> <em>(COVID-19 and heart disease risks)<span></span></em> </span> </div> </footer> <p>Learn more here about the <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content">development and quality assurance of healthdirect content</a>.</p> <p>Last reviewed: November 2022</p> <div class="main_content-back-to-top"><a href="#backToTop"><i class="dor-icon_caret-up"></i><br><span class="tablet-up__inline">Back To </span>Top</a></a></div> </main>  <section class="main_content-links print-hidden"> <section class="related-pages-section"> <h2>Related pages</h2> <ul> <li> <a href="/heart-attack-symptoms-males-vs-females" title="Heart attack symptoms: males vs females">Heart attack symptoms: males vs females</a> </li> </ul> </section> <section class="related-concept-section"> <h2>Search our site for</h2> <ul> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Heart" title="Search results for:Heart">Heart</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Angiography" title="Search results for:Angiography">Angiography</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Chest Pain" title="Search results for:Chest Pain">Chest Pain</a> </li> <li> <a class="dor-button__pill-btn" href="/search-results/Troponin Test" title="Search results for:Troponin Test">Troponin Test</a> </li> </ul> </section> </section>  <section class="main_content-search"> <header> <h2>Need more information?</h2> <p>These trusted information partners have more on this topic.</p> </header> <div class="main_content-general-text"> <div> <div class="main_content-search-results-partners"> <nav class="dor-tabs__2 veyron-search-tabs" role="tablist"> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchGeneralResults" aria-selected="true"> <input type="radio" checked name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">General search results</div> </label> <label class="dor-tabs_item" role="tab" aria-controls="searchProfessionalResults" aria-selected="false"> <input type="radio" name="tab"> <div class="dor-tabs_item-btn veyron-search-tab-btn">Results for medical professionals</div> </label> </nav> <section id="searchGeneralResults" data-total-records="268"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/heart-attack" data-partner-url="partners/better-health-channel" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|915abcb4-3a04-4589-9a45-11ed505aefc5"> <h3>Heart attack - Better Health Channel</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Heart attack is an emergency. If you have warning signs of heart attack, get help fast. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Better Health Channel website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Better Health Channel" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/bhc-rectangle-image-e99950.png"> </a> <a href="https://stjohn.org.au/assets/uploads/fact%20sheets/english/Fact%20sheets_heart%20attack.pdf" data-partner-url="partners/st-john-ambulance-australia" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|c7d04f4c-985a-4b27-ba65-b891ff844a8b"> <h3>Heart attack</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Having one or more signs or symptoms of a heart attack means this is a life-threatening emergency—call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on St John Ambulance Australia website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="St John Ambulance Australia" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/stjohn-new_logo-0d6b29.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/support/feelings-and-emotions-after-a-heart-attack" data-partner-url="partners/heart-foundation" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|db371131-eadf-46cb-bee8-fd0f7cb16c61"> <h3>Feelings and emotions after a heart attack | Heart Foundation</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>This is a guide to how you might be feeling after a heart attack.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Heart Foundation website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Heart Foundation" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Heart-Foundation_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/heart-stroke/heart-attack/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|d25f4663-7b41-497b-ac3e-133491cabef8"> <h3>Heart attack - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>A heart attack (myocardial infarction) means the blood supply to part of the heart muscle has become blocked. Early treatment can reduce muscle damage.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/support/physical-activity-after-a-heart-attack" data-partner-url="partners/heart-foundation" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|2fa53caf-8126-405a-a698-f119c3a4191c"> <h3>Physical activity after a heart attack | Heart Foundation</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Discover what you need to know about being active after a heart attack.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Heart Foundation website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Heart Foundation" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Heart-Foundation_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://mydr.com.au/heart-stroke/what-are-the-signs-of-heart-attack-in-women/" data-partner-url="partners/mydr" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|fe197c98-1f7e-4b5d-81f1-de56458e8ddc"> <h3>What are the signs of heart attack in women? - myDr.com.au</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The signs of a heart attack in women are often much more subtle than in men. Professor David Celermajer explains the difference.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on MyDoctor website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="MyDoctor" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/mydoctor-new_logo-1f39cc.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/support/being-a-carer-for-a-heart-attack-patient" data-partner-url="partners/heart-foundation" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|e26e19ad-33a3-4963-b35b-a6ac97760f7a"> <h3>Being a carer for a heart attack patient | Heart Foundation</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Your role as a carer for a heart attack patient is an important one – explore some useful things to know.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Heart Foundation website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Heart Foundation" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Heart-Foundation_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/publications-and-resources/resource-library/acute-coronary-syndromes-heart-attack-and-suspected-heart-attack-clinical-care-standard-consumer-fact-sheet" data-partner-url="partners/acsqhc-australian-commission-on-safety-and-quality-in-health-care" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|cb03779d-a05d-46f6-8b21-84bf28b9c0a2"> <h3>Acute Coronary Syndromes (Heart Attack and Suspected Heart Attack) Clinical Care Standard: Consumer fact sheet | Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Acute Coronary Syndromes (Heart Attack and Suspected Heart Attack) Clinical Care Standard: Consumer fact sheet Downloads Acute Coronary Syndromes (Heart Attack and Suspected Heart Attack) Clinical Care Standard: Consumer fact sheet Publication year 2014 Resource type Fact sheet or brochure Topics Clinical Care Standards Health conditions, diseases and treatments</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ACSQHC_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-attack-warning-signs" data-partner-url="partners/heart-foundation" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|3f332416-2c45-4d2a-920d-958ccef893c5"> <h3>Heart attack warning signs | Heart Foundation</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Free heart attack warning signs education, action plans and videos to help you understand your heart and the warning signs to look out for.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Heart Foundation website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Heart Foundation" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Heart-Foundation_logo.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/blog/heart-attack-vs-cardiac-arrest" data-partner-url="partners/heart-foundation" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|1e343323-b60e-4685-923f-6ce82dfee010"> <h3>Heart attack vs cardiac arrest – know the difference | Heart Foundation</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Know the difference between heart attack and cardiac arrest, what symptoms and warning signs to look out for and how common they are in Australia</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> <i id="read-more">Read more on Heart Foundation website</i></p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Heart Foundation" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/Heart-Foundation_logo.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> <section id="searchProfessionalResults" class="hidden" data-total-records="59"> <p>Top results</p> <a href="http://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/201795/Heart-attack.pdf" data-partner-url="partners/aci-agency-for-clinical-innovation" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|c2cedc39-84ad-4a3a-b8c3-6ef098eb3846"> <h3>Quicker access to medical advice and life saving cardiac therapy</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>In the past, a doctor had to be with a person to diagnose a heart attack, but a new service that is being introduced in NSW allows an ECG to be sent quickly to a specialist doctor who may be many kilometres away. This means that people are treated much faster and, in many cases, even before they see a doctor.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on ACI - Agency for Clinical Innovation website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="ACI - Agency for Clinical Innovation" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/aci-gov-lockup_final-2018_cmyk_ol-26b11d.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.menopause.org.au/hp/gp-hp-resources/decision-aid-statin-aspirin-choice" data-partner-url="partners/australasian-menopause-society" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|ba8f35ff-776b-4f62-81a1-0538f53790da"> <h3>Decision Aid: Statin/Aspirin Choice - Australasian Menopause Society</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The electronic version of the Statin/Aspirin Choice Decision Aid, a randomised trial tested tool to help patients and clinicians discuss the pros and cons of statin and aspirin use to reduce the risk of heart attacks. The risk calculator allows you to use one of three methods of assessing risk of cardiovascular disease and whether the patient should be on extra medication. The best known is the Framingham calculator which has been used for many years. The Reynolds calculator has been designed</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australasian Menopause Society website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australasian Menopause Society" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/amslogo-9e3e88.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/cardiovascular-disease" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|f158f604-a919-423e-9eba-3811fb596fbd"> <h3>Determinants and Interventions for CVD | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term describing disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease (alternatively referred to as ischaemic heart disease and includes heart attack/acute myocardial infarction and angina), stroke, heart failure, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, and deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Troponin" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|bae76c02-2dd9-4cb3-9693-791654776b88"> <h3>Troponin | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>This test measures the level of troponin in your blood. 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It rises when there is any damage to h</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Creatine+kinase+%28CK%29" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|e866534d-b0f1-4f8a-91a6-a4ffb9a19453"> <h3>Creatine kinase (CK) | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Creatine kinase (CK) is a chemical known as an enzyme which is found in many tissues of the body and in several forms. 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High levels of</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Lactate+dehydrogenase+%28LDH%29" data-partner-url="partners/pathology-tests-explained" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|480865b9-fa58-49f7-a3a7-0edb5f4957a0"> <h3>Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) | Pathology Tests Explained</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Lactate dehydrogenase (LD) is an enzyme that is found in cells throughout the body. Only a small amount of LD is usually detectable in the</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Pathology Tests Explained" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ptex-vertical-orientation-colored-600x275px-01-0ae8ba.png"> </a> <a href="https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/acute-coronary-syndromes" data-partner-url="partners/ausmed-education" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|ad501421-5556-4227-bd44-ecf928a2b299"> <h3>Clinical Management of Acute Coronary Syndromes | Ausmed</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is an umbrella term used to describe any situation where the blood supply to the heart is suddenly obstructed. If not treated properly, an ACS can be life-threatening.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Ausmed Education website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Ausmed Education" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/ausmed-new-logo-872e67.png"> </a> <a href="https://australianprescriber.tg.org.au/articles/diagnosis-and-management-of-acute-coronary-syndromes.html" data-partner-url="partners/australian-prescriber" class="main_content-search-tile" target="_blank" data-guid="ECM001|89553e60-0b1c-48bf-bcfe-b7b2659f213a"> <h3>Diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndromes - Australian Prescriber</h3> <div class="main_content-search-tile-intro"> <p>The development of high-sensitivity assays has changed thinking about acute coronary syndromes.</p> </div> <p class="main_content-search-tile-read-more"><i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-tile-read-more-icon"></i> Read more on Australian Prescriber website</p> <img class="main_content-search-tile-logo" alt="Australian Prescriber" src="https://media.healthdirect.org.au/images/logos/h40/australian-prescriber_2023_logo-5f8e5b.png"> </a> <section class="main_content-search-show-more "> <button class="main_content-search-show-more-btn" title="Show more search results" rel="nofollow">Show more</button> <i aria-hidden="true" class="main_content-search-show-more-loading"></i> </section> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="partner-popup-content hidden"> <header class="dor-modal_body-header"><h2>Disclaimer</h2></header> <div class="dor-modal_body-main veyron-global-popup-body-main"> <div class="dor-modal_body-main-content"> <p>Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.</p> </div> </div> <footer class="dor-modal_body-footer"> <a target="_blank" class="main-action main-action__link" role="button"><button class="dor-modal_body-footer-action">OK</button></a> </footer> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> HDW.partnerResults = JSON.parse('{\"localContentConfig\":{\"PBB\":{\"logo\":\"PBB_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au\/\",\"name\":\"Pregnancy, Birth & Baby\"},\"MHC\":{\"logo\":\"MHC_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.mindhealthconnect.org.au\/\",\"name\":\"mindhealthconnect\"},\"HIN\":{\"logo\":\"healthdirect_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/\",\"name\":\"healthdirect\"},\"HCW\":{\"logo\":\"healthdirect_logo.png\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/about.healthdirect.gov.au\/\",\"name\":\"healthdirect\"}}}') initArticleSearchResults(JSON.parse('{\"general\":\"\/api\/search\/content\/general?wt=json&f.partner.facet.limit=-1&f.partner.facet.sort=count&rows=10&start=0&channel=HIN&q=%22heart%20attack%22&fq=document_channel%3A(%22HIN%22%20OR%20%22PBB%22%20OR%20%22MHC%22%20OR%20%22HCW%22)&fq=!canonical_channel%3A%22HIN%22&fq=(canonical_channel%3A%5B*%20TO%20*%5D%20OR%20content_type%3A%22hdaptn%3ApartnerContent%22)&fq=audience_en%3A(%22Consumers%22%20OR%20%22Carers%22)\",\"professional\":\"\/api\/search\/content\/keyword?wt=json&f.partner.facet.limit=-1&f.partner.facet.sort=count&rows=10&start=0&channel=HIN&q=%22heart%20attack%22&fq=!partner%3A%22healthdirect%22&fq=audience_en%3A%22Health%20Professionals%22\"}')); 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