Heart attack
Warning signs, emergency care and recovery

A heart attack happens when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. Every minute counts: the sooner the artery is opened, the more heart muscle can be saved. Charak Hospital on Hardoi Road, Dubagga, has a 24×7 emergency department and cardiology team for heart emergencies.

Book a consultation Call 0522-666-4444
24×7 emergency department Cath lab for angiography and angioplasty DM cardiologists NABH-accredited hospital

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24×7 hospital & emergency0522-666-4444
About heart attack

What is a heart attack?

The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle. Fatty plaque builds up inside them over years. If a plaque cracks, a blood clot forms on it and can block the artery completely. The part of the heart supplied by that artery starts to lose oxygen and, without quick treatment, the muscle is permanently damaged.

  • Doctors call it myocardial infarction (MI)
  • STEMI is a complete blockage seen on the ECG and needs the artery opened urgently
  • NSTEMI is a partial blockage, treated with medicines and often angiography
  • Diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol and family history raise the risk
  • Women, older people and people with diabetes may have milder or unusual symptoms

Time is muscle

Treatment in the first hours saves the most heart muscle.

Open the artery

Angioplasty or clot-dissolving medicines restore blood flow.

Protect the heart

Long-term medicines lower the risk of another attack.

Rebuild strength

Cardiac rehabilitation helps you return to daily life.

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Symptoms

Warning signs of a heart attack

Symptoms often last more than a few minutes, or come and go. Do not wait to see if they settle.

Chest pain or pressure

Heaviness, tightness or burning in the centre of the chest.

Pain spreading

To the left arm, both arms, jaw, neck, back or upper stomach.

Breathlessness

With or without chest pain.

Cold sweat

Sudden sweating, clammy skin.

Dizziness or fainting

Feeling light-headed or blacking out.

Nausea or vomiting

Often mistaken for gas or acidity.

Unusual tiredness

Especially in women and older adults.

Sense of something wrong

A feeling of doom or anxiety.

Think it could be a heart attack? Call 0522-666-4444 or come straight to the 24×7 emergency department. Do not drive yourself. Chest pain that you think is “just gas” should still be checked with an ECG. Call 0522-666-4444.

In the emergency room

Tests in the emergency department

The team starts tests and treatment at the same time.

ECG within minutes

Shows whether an artery is completely blocked (STEMI).

Blood tests (troponin)

A heart muscle enzyme that rises during a heart attack.

Echocardiography

An ultrasound that shows how well the heart is pumping.

Coronary angiography

Dye and X-ray pictures show the exact blockage, usually through the wrist.

Other tests

Kidney function, sugar, cholesterol and a chest X-ray.

Treatment

How a heart attack is treated

Your cardiologist chooses treatment based on the ECG, angiogram and your overall health.

Primary angioplasty

For a complete blockage, the artery is opened in the cath lab with a balloon and a stent, usually through a small tube in the wrist. This is the preferred treatment when it can be done quickly.

Done under local anaesthesiaA stent keeps the artery openOften done as an emergency

What to expect

  • Monitoring in the cardiac care unit
  • Walking within a day or two for many patients
  • Blood thinners started

Good to know

  • Bring any old ECGs or reports
  • Tell the team about allergies
  • Family can wait outside the cath lab
Step by step

From emergency to recovery

Step 1

Arrive fast

Come to the emergency department or call 0522-666-4444.

Step 2

ECG and first medicines

Started within minutes of arrival.

Step 3

Angiography and treatment

The artery is opened if needed.

Step 4

Cardiac care unit

Close monitoring for the first days.

Step 5

Discharge

Usually after a few days, with medicines explained.

Step 6

Rehab and follow-up

Exercise plan, check-ups and risk-factor control.

After a heart attack

Life after a heart attack

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Medicines

Take every medicine exactly as prescribed, especially blood thinners after a stent.

Never stop them suddenly without speaking to your cardiologist.

Activity

Walk daily and increase slowly. Most people return to normal activity over 4 to 8 weeks.

Ask about cardiac rehabilitation and when you can drive or return to work.

Diet

Less salt, oil, ghee and sugar; more vegetables, fruit, pulses and whole grains.

Keep a healthy weight and waist size.

Tobacco

Stop smoking, bidi and chewing tobacco completely; ask us for help to quit.

Check-ups

Keep blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol at the targets your doctor sets.

Attend follow-up visits and repeat tests as advised.

Contact us urgently if

  • Chest pain at rest or chest pain like before
  • Sudden breathlessness or swelling of the legs
  • Fainting or a very fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Bleeding that does not stop, or black stools, while on blood thinners
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about heart attacks

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“It is only gas or acidity.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Heart attack pain is often mistaken for gas. If in doubt, get an ECG straight away.

Myth

“Heart attacks happen only to old people.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Heart attacks are being seen in people in their 30s and 40s, especially with smoking, diabetes or a family history.

Myth

“After a stent I can stop medicines.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Blood thinners are essential after a stent. Stopping them early can cause the stent to block.

Myth

“I must rest in bed for months.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Gradual, supervised activity speeds recovery and strengthens the heart.

Your heart team

Meet the heart team

Cardiac sciences Angioplasty Bypass surgery Critical care
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Any previous ECGs, echo or angiography reports
  • A list of all your medicines
  • Insurance card, Ayushman card or employer letter
  • A family member who can stay with you

Costs & insurance

The cost of heart attack treatment depends on whether angiography, angioplasty or surgery is needed, the number of stents, and the length of stay in the cardiac care unit. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

Call 0522-666-4444
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I think I am having a heart attack?

Stop what you are doing, sit down and call for help. Come to the nearest emergency department straight away; do not drive yourself. Call 0522-666-4444 for Charak Hospital.

How soon should treatment start?

As soon as possible. Opening the artery within the first few hours saves the most heart muscle.

Is chest pain always a heart attack?

No. Chest pain can also come from the lungs, food pipe, muscles or anxiety, but only tests such as an ECG can tell. Do not ignore it.

How long will I stay in hospital?

Many patients stay a few days after angioplasty. The stay is longer if there are complications or surgery is needed.

Can I lead a normal life after a heart attack?

Most people return to work and daily activities with medicines, exercise and healthy habits. Your cardiologist will guide you.

Is heart attack treatment covered by insurance?

Most health insurance policies and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY cover emergency heart treatment for eligible patients. Our insurance desk can check your cover.

Glossary

Words you may hear

MIMyocardial infarction, the medical term for heart attack.
STEMIA heart attack with a complete artery blockage seen on the ECG.
NSTEMIA heart attack with a partial blockage.
TroponinA blood test that rises when heart muscle is damaged.
AngioplastyOpening a blocked artery with a balloon and stent.
ThrombolysisMedicine given through a drip to dissolve a clot.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Cardiac sciences Angioplasty & stents Heart bypass surgery Echocardiography Heart attack warning signs (blog) Health library

Chest pain? Do not wait.

Come to the 24×7 emergency department at Charak Hospital, Hardoi Road, Dubagga, or call 0522-666-4444.

0522-666-4444 Request a call back

Your details are used only to contact you about your appointment.

Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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