In a heart attack, even if you are not sure you are having a heart attack, every minute can matter so call an ambulance on 999 or 112 (in Ireland). While waiting for the ambulance to arrive sit and rest. Take an adult aspirin if you have one easily available unless you have been told not to or are allergic to aspirin.

Once you arrive in hospital and a heart attack is suspected, the doctor or nurse will give you oxygen and pain relief. The doctor will then decide what treatment is needed.

If the doctor confirms that you have had a heart attack, then the blocked artery needs to be unblocked as quickly as possible. This is done with an emergency angioplasty and possible stenting of the artery to open it and restore the blood supply to your heart.

Alternatively, you may be given a ‘clot busting’ drug called Thrombolysis that is injected into a vein and dissolves the clot, restoring the blood supply. Great care is taken with these drugs as they can cause bleeding and bruising.

How you recover will depend on the size of the heart attack, your age and if you have any other illnesses. Most people recover in about six to ten weeks and are able to return to their normal activities.

Taking part in a cardiac rehabilitation course can help you come to terms with what has happened and get you back to normal as quick as possible.