Heart attack (myocardial infarction) symptoms and warning signs

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack (myocardial infarction)

The symptoms of a heart attack can vary widely from person to person. 

• While some people experience chest pain, others may not have any chest pain but feel other symptoms such as shoulder or back discomfort, shortness of breath, and nausea. 
• While some experience sudden and severe symptoms, others experience mild heart attack warning signs lasting several hours, days, or even months in advance.
• Having a heart attack increases your risk of experiencing another. But a subsequent heart attack may have different symptoms.

Warning signs of myocardial infarction include:

• Pain, pressure, heaviness, tightness, or discomfort in the chest
• Discomfort or pain in the shoulder, arm, jaw, neck, or back

• Shortness of breath, even without doing physical activity
• Feeling sweaty or clammy
• Nausea, vomiting, an upset stomach
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Unusual weakness or extreme fatigue.

Heart attack symptoms in women

Women may experience classic symptoms like chest pain, but they are also more likely than men to have non-typical symptoms, such as:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Anxiety
• Discomfort or pain in the back, shoulder, or arm
• Unusual tiredness
• Sweating
• A general feeling of being unwell 
• Breathlessness
• Dizziness 

What to do in case of a heart attack

Having a heart attack while alone can be frightening, but knowing what to do can make a life-saving difference. Here’s what to do immediately if you think you’re having a heart attack and there’s no one around to help:

• Call 111 straight away: Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away. As soon as you suspect you’re having a heart attack, dial 111 for an ambulance. Tell the operator you think you’re having a heart attack. Try to stay on the line and follow their instructions until help arrives.
• Chew an aspirin, but only if advised by a healthcare professional: Chewing an aspirin before swallowing it helps it enter your bloodstream faster. Aspirin helps to thin the blood, prevent or delay blood clot formation, and may reduce the severity of the heart attack. However, do not take aspirin if you are allergic to it, or if it wasn’t recommended by a healthcare professional, as it can interact with other medications. 
• Loosen tight clothing: Remove or loosen anything that feels tight or restrictive around your chest, neck, or waist, such as ties or belts. This may help you breathe a little easier and feel more comfortable.
• Rest and remain calm: Focus on taking slow, steady breaths and keep your body relaxed while you wait for help to arrive. If possible, have someone wait with you.
• Don’t try to drive yourself to the hospital: Even if you think you’re close to the hospital, do not drive yourself. You could lose consciousness while driving, which puts you and others at serious risk.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack or myocardial infarction occurs when a blockage in one of the coronary arteries deprives the heart of oxygen-rich blood, causing damage to the heart muscle.

The longer the delay in restoring blood flow, the more severe the damage, which underscores the importance of recognising the symptoms of a heart attack and seeking medical help immediately.

Each year, around 20,000 New Zealanders suffer a heart attack. While heart attacks are more common among older individuals, it can also affect those under 40.  

Heart attack causes

Understanding what causes a heart attack can help you recognise your risk and take steps to protect your heart health. The most common cause is coronary artery disease, but some less common triggers can lead to a heart attack, even in people without obvious risk factors.

• Coronary artery disease: The leading cause of heart attacks is coronary artery disease (CAD). This condition occurs when deposits made up of fats and other substances (plaques) build up on the walls of the arteries, a process also known as atherosclerosis. Over time, this narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart. If a plaque ruptures, it can trigger a blood clot that partially or completely blocks the artery, causing a heart attack.
• Coronary artery spasm: A sudden, temporary tightening of one or more arteries that briefly reduces or cuts off blood flow to the heart.
• Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD): A life-threatening condition wherein a tear in the coronary artery causes a blockage that interrupts or reduces blood flow to the heart. 

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Myocardial infarction treatment

Treating a heart attack promptly can save lives and minimise long-term damage to the heart. Treatments, which include medications and/or surgery, are aimed at restoring oxygen levels and blood flow to the heart.

Thrombolysis (thrombolytic therapy)

This emergency treatment involves injecting medication into the vein to dissolve the blood clot and unblock the artery.

Coronary angioplasty

In a coronary angioplasty, a catheter with a tiny uninflated balloon is guided into the affected artery. Then the balloon is inflated to push plaque against the artery walls, widening the artery. A stent (a small mesh tube) may also be placed to keep the artery open. 

Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)

CABG is a surgical procedure used to address narrowing or blockages in the coronary arteries. Surgeons take a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body (such as the leg or chest) and graft it to create a bypass around the blocked arteries, restoring blood flow to the heart.

Medications for a heart attack

Medications play a vital role in treating and preventing further heart attacks. These may include:

• Anticoagulants or blood-thinning medications: Delays the formation of clots and prevents existing clots from growing
• Nitroglycerin: Relieves chest pain and improves blood flow to the heart.
• Beta blockers: Help reduce heart workload and lower blood pressure by slowing the heart rate.
• ACE inhibitors: Relax blood vessels, helping lower blood pressure to reduce strain on the heart.
• Angiotensin receptor blockers: Improve blood flow by expanding blood vessels.

How insurance can help ease the financial impact of a heart attack

Heart attack treatments can be expensive, with costs accumulating quickly due to hospital stays, surgeries, and lifelong medication, not to mention the income you lose while you’re in recovery. 

If you have an insurance plan, check with your provider if there are benefits you can use to cover various expenses.

• Comprehensive health insurance - can cover private hospitalisation, medication, and surgeries such as coronary angioplasty (which can cost $17,500-$31,000 in private facilities) and CABG (which can reach $50,000-$70,000). 
• Trauma (critical illness) insurance - can provide a lump sum payment upon diagnosis of a heart attack. Some plans also cover events like coronary artery bypass surgery. The funds can be used for medical bills, rehabilitation, or lifestyle adjustments.
• Income protection insurance or mortgage protection cover - replaces a portion of your monthly income if you become disabled and unable to work, helping maintain financial stability during long-term recovery.
• Total and permanent disablement (TPD) insurance - pays a lump sum if a heart attack results in permanent inability to work. This payment can help cover long-term care, home modifications, living expenses, and debt repayments.
• Life insurance - can provide financial support to dependants if the heart attack is fatal.

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Life after a heart attack

Surviving a heart attack is a major milestone, and it’s also the start of a new journey. Recovery can take time, and everyone’s experience is different. Some people bounce back quickly, while others may need more support to regain strength, confidence, and independence.

Daily life and independence

A heart attack can impact your ability to perform everyday tasks, especially in the early stages of recovery.

• Activities of daily living (ADLs) like dressing, bathing, or walking short distances may feel tiring at first.
• Fatigue or breathlessness are common in the weeks following a heart attack, but usually improve with time and rehab.
• Some people may feel anxious or afraid to be active, but gentle movement is encouraged under medical guidance.

Recovery

Recovery after a heart attack typically involves a combination of rest, rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of another heart event. 

• Cardiac rehabilitation: Many enrol in a cardiac rehabilitation programme, which offers supervised exercise, nutritional advice, and emotional support. These programmes significantly improve recovery outcomes and reduce the risk of future heart attacks.
• Lifestyle changes
  • Adopting a heart-healthy diet with a lot of plant-based foods and limiting those which are high in sodium, sugar, and saturated fats.
  • Engaging in regular physical activity. Ask your healthcare provider what types of exercises and activities are suitable for you.
  • Managing stress levels through techniques like meditation, mindfulness, or counselling.
  • Quitting smoking and avoiding alcohol.
• Long-term follow-ups: Regular check-ups with a cardiologist or GP are essential to monitor heart health. Medication is often prescribed to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and other contributing factors.

Returning to work

A heart attack doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your working life, but it can affect how and when you return to your job.

• Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the heart attack, the type of treatment received, your overall health, and your occupation. Some may return to work within weeks; others may take months.
• Those with physically demanding jobs may require longer time off or changes to duties.
• Sedentary or less strenuous roles may allow for a quicker return, often part-time at first.

How Policywise can help protect your heart health and finances 

Life after a heart attack requires patience and a commitment to healthier living. With proper medical care, support, and financial planning, many people recover and rebuild their lives. By making proactive choices and securing the right insurance plan before serious conditions like a heart attack strike, you can be better prepared for life’s uncertainties. 

Policywise is a 100% free service which tells you which health, life, and trauma insurance provider best fits your needs. We offer fast, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand comparisons of all leading providers and a simple summary clearly recommending which insurer is best for your situation.

Not all insurance policies are the same. Policywise can help you sort out the duds, avoid the lemons, understand the fine print and exclusions, and get the right insurance for you and your family.

We make the important decision of where to buy your insurance super easy. We’ll answer your questions, provide experienced advice and quotes, and manage all the back and forth throughout the application process. Taking out your cover through us means you'll have our lifetime support and claims advocacy, and we'll help you negotiate a positive outcome at claim time. We can also take care of lodging any claims on your behalf and back you up if the going gets tough.

Check out the reviews on our homepage for how other New Zealanders have found our service, because now is the time to get your personal insurance sorted. Give your family or someone you love the most outstanding financial support possible. Book a 5-minute callback with Policywise today; our service is fast and free.