Summary

• A heart attack happens when your heart muscle can't get enough oxygen, usually due to a blocked blood vessel.
• Common symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and sweating.
• Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of heart attacks.
• Smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol increase your chances of having a heart attack.
• If you're having a heart attack go to a hospital emergency department immediately — treating a heart attack early can prevent permanent heart damage.

These key facts are from healthdirect.gov.au (accessed 28 Jan 2025). Visit the healthdirect website for more information about heart attacks.

Relevant Tests

If your doctor suspects you have had a heart attack, they may request one or more tests.

If you are diagnosed with a heart attack, some of these tests will be used to monitor and manage your condition.

Find information about specific tests:

• Troponin T