Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) Patient Education

What Is a Myocardial Infarction?

A myocardial infarction, or heart attack, happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is blocked. This causes damage to the heart muscle because it is not getting enough oxygen.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Blocked arteries due to fat buildup (called plaque)
  
  

• High blood pressure
  
  

• Smoking
  
  

• Diabetes
  
  

• High cholesterol
  
  

• Family history of heart disease
  
  

• Being overweight
  
  

• Lack of exercise
  
  

• Stress
  
  

• Age (risk increases as you get older)
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

• Chest pain or pressure (like a heavy weight on your chest)
  
  

• Pain in the arm, neck, jaw, or back
  
  

• Shortness of breath
  
  

• Sweating
  
  

• Feeling weak or lightheaded
  
  

• Nausea or vomiting
  
  

• Some people may only feel mild symptoms or be very tired (especially women and older adults)
  
  

Early Warning Signs

• Chest discomfort that lasts more than a few minutes or comes and goes
  
  

• Unusual tiredness
  
  

• Shortness of breath during activities
  
  

Complications if Untreated or Not Following Treatment

• Heart failure (heart becomes weak)
  
  

• Irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
  
  

• Damage to heart valves
  
  

• Another heart attack
  
  

• Death
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

• Call 911 right away if you think you are having a heart attack
  
  

• Hospital treatment may include medicines, procedures to open blocked arteries, or surgery
  
  

• Follow your doctor’s advice closely
  
  

• Take medicines exactly as prescribed
  
  

• Rest and avoid heavy activities during recovery
  
  

Common Medications

• Aspirin: Helps prevent blood clots. Side effects: stomach upset, bleeding risk
  
  

• Beta-blockers: Lower heart rate and blood pressure. Side effects: tiredness, dizziness
  
  

• ACE inhibitors: Help relax blood vessels. Side effects: cough, dizziness
  
  

• Statins: Lower cholesterol. Side effects: muscle pain, liver problems
  
  

• Blood thinners (like clopidogrel): Prevent clots. Side effects: bleeding
  
  

• Nitroglycerin: Relieves chest pain. Side effects: headache, low blood pressure
  
  

Dietary Needs

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
  
  

• Avoid fatty, fried, and processed foods
  
  

• Limit salt and sugar
  
  

• Avoid alcohol or drink only in moderation
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Stop smoking
  
  

• Exercise regularly (as advised by your doctor)
  
  

• Maintain a healthy weight
  
  

• Manage stress
  
  

• Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Take medications on time
  
  

• Do not skip doctor appointments
  
  

• Watch for new or worsening symptoms
  
  

• Avoid activities that cause chest pain
  
  

• Use a medical ID bracelet if advised
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Control risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure
  
  

• Follow a heart-healthy lifestyle
  
  

• Regular check-ups and blood tests
  
  

• Keep a list of your medicines
  
  

• Know how to get help quickly if symptoms return
  
  

When to Call for Help: Clear Guide for Patients

Call Your Home Health Agency or Doctor When:

• You have mild or occasional chest discomfort that does not last long and goes away with rest.
  
  

• You notice mild swelling in your feet or ankles.
  
  

• You experience minor side effects from medications and want advice.
  
  

• You feel more tired than usual but no new chest pain.
  
  

• You have questions about your diet, medicines, or lab results.
  
  

• You need to schedule or reschedule appointments.
  
  

Call the Emergency Room (911) Immediately When:

• You have chest pain or pressure lasting more than 5 minutes or that keeps coming back.
  
  

• You feel sudden, severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
  
  

• You experience sudden dizziness, fainting, or weakness.
  
  

• You have new or worsening symptoms like sweating, nausea, or vomiting with chest pain.
  
  

• You have chest pain that spreads to your arm, neck, or jaw.
  
  

• You feel confused or have trouble speaking.
  
  

• You have sudden severe swelling, especially with pain or redness in your legs.

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement carefully. Choose True or False and correct any false statements.

1. True or False: A heart attack happens when the heart muscle does not get enough blood and oxygen.
   
   

2. True or False: Smoking does not increase your risk for a heart attack.
   
   

3. True or False: Chest pain during a heart attack can feel like pressure or heaviness.
   
   

4. True or False: If you have chest pain for more than a few minutes, you should call 911 immediately.
   
   

5. True or False: Aspirin can help prevent blood clots during a heart attack.
   
   

6. True or False: It is okay to stop taking your heart medications if you feel better.
   
   

7. True or False: Eating lots of fried foods is good for your heart.
   
   

8. True or False: Exercise is not recommended after a heart attack.
   
   

9. True or False: Stress management can help reduce the risk of another heart attack.
   
   

10. True or False: You should always tell your doctor about any side effects from your medications.
    
    

11. True or False: High blood pressure and diabetes can increase the chance of a heart attack.
    
    

12. True or False: It is safe to wait several hours before going to the emergency room if you think you are having a heart attack.
    
    

13. True or False: Nitroglycerin helps to relieve chest pain by relaxing blood vessels.
    
    

14. True or False: Regular doctor visits help prevent heart problems.
    
    

15. True or False: You should only call your doctor if you have new or worsening chest pain.
    
    

16. True or False: Heart attacks only happen to older people.
    
    

17. True or False: High cholesterol can clog arteries and lead to a heart attack.
    
    

18. True or False: Drinking alcohol in large amounts is good for heart health.
    
    

19. True or False: You should avoid salt to help control blood pressure.
    
    

20. True or False: You do not need to worry about symptoms like dizziness or fainting after a heart attack.
    
    

Individualized Questions for You

(You or your healthcare provider can fill these in for each patient.)

• What was the date of your last heart attack or heart-related hospital stay?
  
  

• What medications are you currently taking for your heart?
  
  

• Have you had your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar checked recently? What were the results?
  
  

• Do you follow a special diet? What do you usually eat in a typical day?
  
  

• How often do you exercise? What type of activities do you do?
  
  

• Do you smoke or use tobacco products?
  
  

• Have you noticed any chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or swelling since your last visit?
  
  

• When is your next appointment with your heart doctor?
  
  

• Do you know the signs and symptoms of another heart attack?
  
  

• Are you confident about when to call your doctor or the emergency room?
  
  

Patient Homework / Assessment

Answer Key with Explanations

1. True
   A heart attack happens when part of the heart muscle does not get enough blood and oxygen, causing damage.
   
   

2. False
   Smoking does increase your risk for a heart attack because it damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
   
   

3. True
   Chest pain during a heart attack often feels like pressure, squeezing, or heaviness.
   
   

4. True
   If chest pain lasts more than a few minutes, you should call 911 immediately — it could be a heart attack.
   
   

5. True
   Aspirin helps prevent blood clots that can block blood flow during a heart attack.
   
   

6. False
   You should never stop taking your heart medications without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
   
   

7. False
   Eating lots of fried foods is bad for your heart because it can increase cholesterol and clog arteries.
   
   

8. False
   Exercise is usually recommended after a heart attack, but you should follow your doctor’s advice about what type and how much.
   
   

9. True
   Managing stress can lower the chance of having another heart attack.
   
   

10. True
    Always tell your doctor about side effects from medications so they can help you.
    
    

11. True
    High blood pressure and diabetes increase your risk for heart attacks by damaging arteries.
    
    

12. False
    You should not wait to go to the emergency room if you think you are having a heart attack — early treatment saves lives.
    
    

13. True
    Nitroglycerin helps by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart.
    
    

14. True
    Regular doctor visits help catch problems early and prevent further heart damage.
    
    

15. False
    You should call your doctor for many concerns, not just chest pain — including medication questions and new symptoms.
    
    

16. False
    Heart attacks can happen at any age, though risk increases as you get older.
    
    

17. True
    High cholesterol can build up plaque in arteries and lead to heart attacks.
    
    

18. False
    Drinking large amounts of alcohol is harmful to heart health and increases risk.
    
    

19. True
    Limiting salt helps control blood pressure and reduce heart strain.
    
    

20. False
    Symptoms like dizziness or fainting after a heart attack are serious and need medical attention.