Post-myocardial Infarction
A myocardial infarction (heart attack) causes lasting damage to heart muscle. The weeks and months that follow are a critical window: the right treatment started early can significantly lower the chance of another event, slow further heart damage, and improve long-term quality of life.
Key takeaways
- Chest pain, severe breathlessness, or irregular heartbeat after a heart attack warrant urgent medical attention, do not wait.
- Assessment usually needs vital signs, an ECG or imaging, and checks for an underlying heart, vessel or clotting problem.
- Post-MI management typically combines several approaches working together.
The listings below do not define a post-heart-attack regimen; artery treatment, heart function, bleeding risk, kidney function and other conditions determine the combination.
Protecting the heart after a heart attack
After a heart attack, treatment may address clot risk, cholesterol, blood pressure and changes in heart function. An ACE inhibitor such as ramipril may be used when appropriate, but kidney function, potassium, blood pressure and adverse effects need review. Cardiac rehabilitation, avoiding smoking and a supervised return to activity are also important parts of recovery. See heart and blood pressure for related catalogue entries.
When to seek urgent care
Seek emergency care for chest pressure, fainting, severe breathlessness, or a sustained rapid or irregular heartbeat with dizziness or weakness.