A heart attack can be a terrifying experience – one that you might hope to be over quickly. But how long does a heart attack last?
The answer isn’t always simple because heart attacks can vary in duration and severity. Some last just a few minutes, while others can actually go on for hours. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options and recovery process can help you act quickly and improve your heart health.
Understanding a heart attack
A heart attack happens when the coronary arteries, which supply high blood flow to the heart, become blocked. This blockage prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart muscle, causing damage. This damage can become permanent or even fatal if treatment isn’t received in time.
How long does a heart attack last?
The symptoms of a heart attack can come on suddenly or build up gradually over time. Some people experience warning signs for days or weeks before the actual event occurs. Others may feel a sharp, intense pain all at once. Women and men often experience differing symptoms.
Common heart attack symptoms include:
- Chest pain or chest discomfort: This may feel like pressure, squeezing or fullness in the chest. It often lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
- Shortness of breath: This can happen with or without chest pain and may make it difficult to speak or breathe deeply.
- Pain in other parts of the body: The pain may spread to the arms, back, neck, jaw or stomach.
- Cold sweats, nausea or dizziness: Some people mistake these symptoms for the flu or food poisoning.
So, how long does a heart attack last? The attack itself can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. However, the damage to the heart muscle starts as soon as the blood supply is blocked.
The longer the blockage remains, the worse the damage becomes. That’s why it’s critical to call 911 immediately if you suspect a heart attack.
What to do if you think you’re having a heart attack
If you or someone you’re with is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, take the following steps right away:
- Call 911 immediately: The faster emergency responders arrive, the better the chances of survival and recovery from a heart attack.
- Chew and swallow aspirin: Aspirin helps thin the blood and improve flow to the heart.
- Try to stay calm and rest: Avoid any physical exertion, which could make the attack worse.
- Use prescribed medicine: Medications like nitroglycerin can help open up blood vessels and ease chest pain.
Treatment for a heart attack
The main goal of treatment is to restore high blood flow to the heart as quickly as possible. Treatment options may include:
- Medications: Clot-busting drugs or blood thinners can improve blood flow and restore circulation.
- Angioplasty and stenting: A procedure where doctors open blocked arteries using a small balloon and insert a stent to keep them open.
- Bypass surgery: In severe cases, doctors may create a new route for blood to flow around the blocked artery.
Risk factors and prevention
Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack. Some of the most common ones include:
- Heart disease or a family history of heart problems
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes
- Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
- Obesity or lack of physical activity
- High stress levels
The good news is that making lifestyle changes can reduce your risk. Eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress and quitting smoking contribute to better heart health.
Recovering from a heart attack
Recovery doesn’t magically happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that may include:
- Cardiac rehabilitation: A medically supervised program that helps improve heart health through exercise, education and counseling.
- Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications to help prevent future heart attacks and control risk factors.
- Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, healthy eating and stress management play a key role in preventing another attack.
How we can help
A personalized care plan that includes cardiac rehabilitation, ongoing heart health support and risk factor management can help you regain strength, improve your quality of life and reduce the chances of another heart event.
If you have risk factors, talk with your primary care provider about what you can do to reduce or eliminate them. Your provider may refer you to a cardiologist for more personalized and in-depth care.
And if you experience any signs of a heart attack, call 911 immediately so you can be treated at your nearest emergency department.
Learn about the heart and vascular services we offer at Mercy Health.
