Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (Non-STEMI) Patient Education

What Is a Non-STEMI?

A Non-STEMI is a type of heart attack that happens when blood flow to the heart muscle is partially blocked. This causes some damage to the heart muscle but usually not as severe as a full blockage heart attack. It still needs quick medical care.

Causes and Risk Factors

• Narrowing or blockage of heart arteries by fatty deposits (plaque)
  
  

• High blood pressure
  
  

• Smoking
  
  

• Diabetes
  
  

• High cholesterol
  
  

• Family history of heart disease
  
  

• Being overweight
  
  

• Not exercising enough
  
  

• Stress
  
  

• Older age
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

• Chest pain or pressure that may last more than a few minutes
  
  

• Pain in arms, neck, jaw, or back
  
  

• Shortness of breath
  
  

• Sweating
  
  

• Feeling weak, dizzy, or lightheaded
  
  

• Nausea or vomiting
  
  

• Some people have mild or no chest pain but feel very tired or short of breath
  
  

Early Warning Signs

• Chest discomfort that lasts or comes and goes
  
  

• Unusual tiredness or weakness
  
  

• Shortness of breath during normal activities
  
  

Complications if Untreated or Not Following Treatment

• Heart failure (heart becomes weak and cannot pump well)
  
  

• Dangerous heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  
  

• Another heart attack
  
  

• Damage to heart valves or heart muscle
  
  

• Death
  
  

Treatment and Self-Care Measures

• Get prompt medical care — you may need medicines, tests, or procedures to open arteries
  
  

• Take all medicines as prescribed
  
  

• Follow doctor’s instructions about rest and activity
  
  

• Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise until cleared
  
  

• Keep all follow-up appointments
  
  

Common Medications

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

• Blood thinners (e.g., clopidogrel): Prevent clots. Side effects: bleeding.
  
  

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

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

• Statins: Lower cholesterol. Side effects: muscle aches, liver issues.
  
  

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

Dietary Needs

• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  
  

• Avoid fried, fatty, and processed foods.
  
  

• Limit salt and added sugars.
  
  

• Drink alcohol only in moderation or not at all.
  
  

Lifestyle Changes

• Stop smoking completely.
  
  

• Exercise regularly as advised by your doctor.
  
  

• Maintain a healthy weight.
  
  

• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or counseling.
  
  

• Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes carefully.
  
  

Safety Considerations

• Take all medications exactly as prescribed.
  
  

• Don’t skip follow-up visits or tests.
  
  

• Know your symptoms and when to seek help.
  
  

• Use a medical ID bracelet if recommended.
  
  

Prevention and Maintenance Tips

• Control risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
  
  

• Follow a heart-healthy lifestyle.
  
  

• Keep track of your medications and labs.
  
  

• Report any new or worsening symptoms right away.
  
  

When to Call for Help

Call Your Home Health Agency or Doctor When:

• You have mild or occasional chest discomfort that goes away with rest.
  
  

• You experience minor side effects from your medications and need advice.
  
  

• You notice mild swelling in your feet or legs without pain.
  
  

• You feel more tired than usual but have no new chest pain or breathing problems.
  
  

• You need help understanding your diet, medications, or lab results.
  
  

• You need to schedule or reschedule doctor appointments.
  
  

Call the Emergency Room (911) Immediately When:

• You have chest pain or pressure lasting more than 5 minutes or that comes back often.
  
  

• You experience sudden or severe shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
  
  

• You feel faint, dizzy, or very weak.
  
  

• You have chest pain spreading to your arm, neck, jaw, or back.
  
  

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

• You feel confused, have trouble speaking, or sudden weakness on one side.
  
  

• You notice sudden severe swelling, pain, or redness in your legs.
  
  

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework / Assessment

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

1. True or False: Non-STEMI is a type of heart attack caused by partial blockage of blood flow to the heart.
   
   

2. True or False: Smoking increases the risk of having a Non-STEMI.
   
   

3. True or False: Chest pain during a Non-STEMI can feel like pressure or tightness.
   
   

4. True or False: Mild chest pain that goes away quickly does not need medical attention.
   
   

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

6. True or False: You can stop your heart medications if you feel better.
   
   

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

8. True or False: Exercise should be avoided completely after a Non-STEMI.
   
   

9. True or False: Managing stress can help prevent another heart attack.
   
   

10. True or False: Always tell your doctor about side effects from your medications.
    
    

11. True or False: High blood pressure and diabetes increase the risk of heart attacks.
    
    

12. True or False: You should wait several hours before going to the emergency room if you have chest pain.
    
    

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

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

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

16. True or False: Heart attacks can happen to people of any age.
    
    

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

18. True or False: Drinking large amounts of alcohol is healthy for the heart.
    
    

19. True or False: Limiting salt helps control blood pressure.
    
    

20. True or False: Dizziness or fainting after a Non-STEMI is not serious.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Individualized Questions for Patients

(For patients to answer with their healthcare provider.)

• When did you have your Non-STEMI or last heart-related hospital stay?
  
  

• What medications are you currently taking for your heart condition?
  
  

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

• What foods do you usually eat in a day?
  
  

• How often do you exercise and what type of activities do you do?
  
  

• Do you smoke or use tobacco products?
  
  

• Have you had new or worsening 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 symptoms of another heart attack?
  
  

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

© 2025 Judith Regan / K.N.O.W. – Knowledge for Nurturing Optimal Well-Being. All rights reserved. | Educational use only | Not a substitute for medical advice | In emergencies call 911

Patient Homework / Assessment

Answer Key with Explanations

1. True
   Non-STEMI is a type of heart attack caused by partial blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.
   
   

2. True
   Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attacks including Non-STEMI.
   
   

3. True
   Chest pain during a Non-STEMI often feels like pressure, squeezing, or tightness.
   
   

4. False
   Even mild chest pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out serious problems.
   
   

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

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

7. False
   Fried and fatty foods raise cholesterol and can clog arteries, increasing heart attack risk.
   
   

8. False
   Exercise is usually encouraged after a Non-STEMI but should be done as your doctor advises.
   
   

9. True
   Managing stress helps lower risk for another heart attack.
   
   

10. True
    It is important to tell your doctor about any side effects from your medications.
    
    

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

12. False
    You should go to the emergency room right away if you have chest pain that worries you.
    
    

13. True
    Nitroglycerin relaxes blood vessels and can relieve chest pain.
    
    

14. True
    Regular doctor visits help detect and prevent further heart problems.
    
    

15. False
    You should call your doctor for many concerns, not just chest pain.
    
    

16. True
    Heart attacks can happen at any age, though risk increases with age.
    
    

17. True
    High cholesterol causes plaque buildup in arteries, leading to heart attacks.
    
    

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

19. True
    Limiting salt helps control blood pressure.
    
    

20. False
    Dizziness or fainting after a Non-STEMI are serious symptoms and need prompt medical attention.