Heart attack
On this page
- Causes of a heart attack
- Symptoms of a heart attack
- If you have a heart attack
- Treating a heart attack
- Preventing a heart attack
- Effects of a heart attack
Causes of a heart attack
A heart attack happens when an artery of the heart suddenly closes due to plaque build-up. Plaque is made of:
- fats
- calcium
- cholesterol
Blood clots (thickened blood) can also block your arteries. Arteries carry blood, oxygen and nutrients to your heart and the rest of your body.
An artery of the heart can close as a result of plaque that has built up over time. This is known as a hardening of the arteries. When the artery closes, the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart suddenly decreases. This lack of oxygen causes damage to the heart.
Symptoms of a heart attack
The most common symptom of a heart attack in both males and females is chest pain or discomfort. Other symptoms of a heart attack include:
- shortness of breath
- pain that may spread:
- from the chest area
- down one or both arms
- to the neck, jaw or shoulders
- paleness, sweating or weakness
- chest pain with possible feelings of:
- fullness
- burning
- pressure
- tightness
- squeezing
- heaviness
- discomfort
- crushing pain
- nausea, vomiting and possible indigestion
- anxiety or fear
Symptoms experienced by females
The most common heart attack sign is chest pain or discomfort. However, females can experience a heart attack without chest pressure. They may experience:
- dizziness
- extreme fatigue
- nausea or vomiting
- shortness of breath
- upper back pressure
- light-headedness or fainting
- pressure or pain in the jaw, lower chest or upper abdomen
They’re also more likely to feel some discomfort in the chest rather than a sharp pain or tightness. The milder symptoms don’t mean that a female's heart attack is any less severe than a male's heart attack.
Take any symptoms of a heart attack seriously.
If you have a heart attack
If you have any symptoms of a heart attack:
- tell someone and ask them to get help right away
- call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number
Not getting help for your symptoms can be fatal. The sooner you get help, the more likely you are to survive and recover without long-term effects. Half of heart attack deaths happen within 2 hours of the first signs.
Many people find it hard to believe that they’re having a heart attack. They convince themselves that the symptoms are something else and that they will go away.
If you’ve had a heart attack before
If you’ve had a heart attack, having important health information close by can help medical staff treat you. Keep your personal health information easily accessible, such as on your phone or in your wallet. You may not be able to tell medical staff this information yourself, depending on your condition.
Your list should include:
- allergies
- blood type
- height and weight
- name and address
- age and birth date
- medical conditions
- emergency contacts
- telephone and health insurance card number
- medical history (including surgeries)
- current medications (dosage and frequency)
- health care provider (name and phone number)
- health care plan benefit card for expenses that aren’t covered under provincial health insurance plans, such as:
- ambulance services
- prescription medication
Treating a heart attack
New therapies and drugs can reduce damage and save your life if heart attack treatment begins soon enough. Your health care provider will work with you to determine treatment and recovery needs.
Preventing a heart attack
There are many different ways to reduce your risk for heart attack and other heart-related conditions. These include:
- eating a variety of healthy foods
- being physically active regularly
- maintaining a healthy weight
- quitting (or not starting) smoking
- avoiding use of recreational drugs
- managing stress
- limiting alcohol use
- regularly monitoring your blood pressure
If you’ve already had a heart attack or stroke, these changes can reduce the risk of having another.
Learn more:
- Guidance for preventing heart disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension): Using an at-home blood pressure monitor
Effects of a heart attack
Physical effects of a heart attack can include:
- soreness
- difficulty with strenuous activities, such as:
- lifting heavy items
- pushing or pulling actions that cause you to hold your breath
- repetitive arm work like:
- raking
- digging
- vacuuming
- grass cutting
- difficulty bathing or showering in very hot or cold water
If you’ve had a heart attack, ask your health care provider about how to manage the resulting health effects.
Other effects of a heart attack can include:
- emotional difficulty, possibly leading to depression
- pain or an increase in pain you already have
- a return to hospital
- loneliness
- fatigue
- death
A heart attack may also lead to developing further heart diseases, such as heart failure or heart valve disorders.
Learn more:
Who is most at risk
You’re at higher risk of heart diseases and conditions if you:
- smoke
- have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- have high cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- triglycerides are your body’s most common form of fat
- live with diabetes
- already have a blood clotting problem
- are a male who is 45 years of age or older
- are a female who is 55 years of age or older
- are a female who had pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension during pregnancy
- pre-eclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and significant amounts of protein in the urine during pregnancy or after giving birth
Learn more:
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Tobacco and stroke
- Tobacco and heart disease
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Health effects of smoking and second-hand smoke
- Gestational hypertension (Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada)