A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle becomes blocked. This blockage prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching the heart tissue, causing that section of the heart muscle to become damaged or die. Heart attacks are medical emergencies that require immediate treatment to restore blood flow and minimise damage.
MBBS (SG)|MRCP (UK)|MMed (Internal Med) (SG)|FAMS (Cardiology, SG)
Heart attack symptoms can vary between individuals, and some people may experience warning signs hours or days before the actual event occurs.
Heart attacks typically result from coronary artery disease, where fatty deposits build up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
The most common cause occurs when fatty deposits (plaques) build up in the coronary arteries over time. If a plaque ruptures, it can form a blood clot that completely blocks the artery.
Risk increases with age, particularly for men over 45 and women over 55. The arteries naturally become less flexible and more prone to fatty deposits as we get older.
Consistently elevated blood pressure forces the heart to work harder and damages artery walls over time. This damage makes it easier for fatty deposits to accumulate in the coronary arteries.
Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) contribute to plaque buildup in arteries. High triglycerides and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) also increase risk.
Tobacco use damages blood vessel walls and reduces oxygen in the blood, making the heart work harder. Smoking also increases the likelihood of blood clots forming.
High blood sugar levels damage blood vessels and nerves that control the heart. People with diabetes often develop heart disease at younger ages than those without diabetes.
Having close relatives who experienced heart attacks, particularly at young ages, increases your risk. Genetic factors can influence cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and other heart disease risk factors.
Carrying excess weight, particularly around the waist, increases the workload on your heart. Obesity is often associated with other risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Chronic stress may contribute to heart disease by raising blood pressure and potentially leading to behaviours that increase heart attack risk, such as overeating or smoking.
Heart attacks are classified based on the type of blockage and the extent of damage to the heart muscle.
This type occurs when a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, causing extensive damage to a large area of heart muscle. STEMI heart attacks typically produce characteristic changes on an electrocardiogram and require immediate treatment to restore blood flow.
NSTEMI happens when a coronary artery is partially blocked, resulting in less extensive heart muscle damage. While the blockage may not be complete, this type still requires prompt medical attention and treatment.
Some people experience heart attacks with minimal or no obvious symptoms, which may go unrecognised at the time. These silent heart attacks can cause the same damage as symptomatic ones and are often discovered later during routine tests or when symptoms develop.
Diagnosing a heart attack involves several tests and examinations to confirm the presence of heart muscle damage and determine the extent of the problem.
A simple, painless test recording the heart’s electrical activity to detect abnormal rhythms and signs of heart muscle damage during a heart attack.
An ultrasound of the heart providing real-time images to assess how well your heart chambers and valves are working and identify areas damaged due to poor blood flow.
A non-invasive imaging test using advanced CT scanning technology and contrast dye to visualise coronary arteries, detecting blockages or narrowed arteries causing the heart attack.
Combines ultrasound imaging with exercise or medication-induced stress to examine how your heart responds when working harder, useful in evaluating heart muscle function and blood flow.
Monitors your heart’s activity during controlled physical exercise on a treadmill, evaluating symptoms and heart function under stress.
A wearable device recording continuous heart activity over 24 hours or longer, capturing abnormal rhythms associated with increased heart attack risk or related cardiac issues.
A portable device measuring your blood pressure at regular intervals over 24 hours, providing detailed information to detect hypertension-related risks.
A specialised CT scan assessing calcium deposits in coronary arteries, indicating your level of risk for future heart attacks.
Several medications and non-invasive treatments can help restore blood flow to the heart and prevent further damage during and after a heart attack.
When medications alone are not sufficient, surgical procedures can restore blood flow to the heart muscle and prevent future heart attacks.
Consult our MOH-accredited specialist for a comprehensive diagnosis & personalised treatment plan today.
Preventing future heart attacks involves managing risk factors through lifestyle changes and medications. This includes taking prescribed medications consistently, maintaining a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats and sodium, engaging in regular physical activity as recommended by your doctor, stopping smoking, managing stress, and keeping blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes under control. Regular follow-up appointments allow for monitoring of heart function and adjustment of treatment plans as needed.
Seek immediate medical attention at your nearest hospital if you experience:
After emergency treatment, schedule a cardiology consultation promptly for follow-up care.
Yes, particularly women, elderly people, and those with diabetes may experience heart attacks with little or no chest pain. These may present with symptoms like shortness of breath, nausea, or unusual fatigue instead.
You should call emergency services immediately if you suspect a heart attack, even if you’re not certain. Treatment is most beneficial when started within the first hour of symptom onset.
Most people require long-term medications after a heart attack to prevent future cardiac events. Your doctor will determine which medications you need and may adjust them over time based on your recovery and overall health.
Driving restrictions vary depending on the type of heart attack and your recovery, but most people can resume driving within one to four weeks. Your doctor will advise when it’s appropriate for you to drive again based on your individual situation.
Dr. Kua is a senior consultant cardiologist specialised in interventional cardiology and is the medical director at Carrington Cardiology.
Prior to this, he served as an International Cardiology Fellow and Honorary Consultant at Hammersmith Hospital Imperial Healthcare Trust, where he gained valuable experience in various prestigious healthcare institutions.
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-02 Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Mon to Fri: 09:00am – 05:00pm
Sat: 09:00am – 12:30pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-02 Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Mon to Fri: 09:00am – 05:00pm
Sat: 09:00am – 12:30pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
