The Frozen Times: How Long Do Heart Attacks Last?

A heart attack typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes, but symptoms can persist for hours if blood flow to the heart isn’t restored quickly. Permanent heart damage can begin within 30 minutes, which is why getting immediate medical attention is critical. Delayed treatment increases the risk of serious complications.

Understanding What a Heart Attack Really Is

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, happens when a blood clot or plaque buildup causes a partial or complete blockage in the coronary arteries, cutting off blood flow to the heart muscle. Without enough blood, the heart tissue begins to die.

Heart attacks present in different ways. While some occur suddenly with intense chest pain, others start with mild symptoms that build over time. Either way, a heart attack is a medical emergency.

Concerned about symptoms? Book a virtual or in-person heart check with us now.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

Recognizing the warning signs early can save your life. Common heart attack symptoms include:

• Chest pain or chest discomfort (tightness, pressure, or squeezing)

• Pain that spreads to the left arm, back, neck, or jaw pain

• Shortness of breath or trouble catching your breath

• Nausea, dizziness, or cold sweats

• Fatigue or unexplained weakness

• Abnormal heartbeats (feeling like your heart is racing or skipping beats)

Other symptoms might include anxiety or a feeling similar to a panic attack.

In women, symptoms may be more subtle, such as:

• Back pain, indigestion, or lightheadedness

• Shortness, fatigue, or unusual physical activity intolerance

Heart attack signs can vary, and symptoms occur differently in each individual. If you think you may be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

What Causes Heart Attacks to Happen?

Heart attacks often result from coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition where fatty deposits (plaque) build up inside the blood vessels. This narrows the coronary arteries, reducing blood flow.

Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure or severe high blood pressure

• High cholesterol

• Diabetes

• Smoking

• Birth control pills (especially for women who smoke)

• Family history of heart disease

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Obesity

Cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes, remains a top threat to American adults. Managing your risk factors can drastically reduce your chance of experiencing cardiovascular disease.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 805,000 heart attacks occurring annually, according to the CDC.

How Long Does a Heart Attack Last?

The actual event may last only a few minutes to several hours, depending on:

• Location of the blockage (main artery vs. smaller branches)

• Whether it’s a complete blockage or partial

• How fast you receive immediate treatment

Permanent heart damage can begin in under 30 minutes. Quick interventions like:

• Aspirin

• Nitroglycerin

• Medications that dissolve blood clots

• Angioplasty or stent placement

…can restore blood flow and prevent heart failure or cardiac arrest.

Don’t wait. Schedule your cardiac evaluation with Dr. Syra Hanif today.

Testing & Diagnosis

When you arrive at the emergency room or clinic, doctors perform:

• EKG to check for electrical abnormalities

• Blood tests to detect troponin levels

• Imaging to assess heart muscle function and blood flow

These tools help identify how much heart tissue has been affected.

Recovery & Cardiac Rehabilitation

Recovery depends on the severity of the event. Many patients benefit from a cardiac rehabilitation program to:

• Improve heart strength

• Learn safe physical activity levels

• Implement lifestyle changes (diet, quitting smoking, etc.)

• Manage blood pressure and cholesterol

Cardiac rehabilitation reduces future risks and is strongly recommended after a heart attack. Staying committed to the program significantly reduces long-term cardiovascular disease risks.

What to Do If You Think You’ve Had a Heart Attack

Some people report thinking they had a heart attack, but now feel fine. This can be a silent myocardial infarction, and it’s just as dangerous. Always get checked.

Call for medical attention if:

• You felt unexplained pain or tightness in your chest

• You had sudden shortness of breath or jaw pain

• You passed out or felt dizzy after exertion or sexual activity

FAQs

Feeling uncertain? Speak with our medical team now.

Cited Sources

• CDC – Heart Disease Facts

• American Heart Association

• NIH – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

• JAMA

• Johns Hopkins Medicine

Disclaimer
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.