Heart Attack Archive

Doctors have long prescribed drugs called beta blockers to all heart attack survivors. These drugs, which slow down the heart and lower blood pressure, include atenolol (Tenormin) and metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol). Growing evidence suggests that these drugs offer no meaningful benefit for people whose hearts still pump normally after a heart attack. Sometimes, however, a heart attack leaves the left ventricle (the heart’s main pumping chamber) unable to contract effectively. When that’s the case, beta blockers are still recommended.

A 2025 study suggests that more than 99% of people who have a first-time heart attack, stroke, or heart failure have at least one of four risk factors: unhealthy blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels, or past or present smoking.

Costochondritis, which is inflammation of the cartilage between the ribs and the breastbone, is one of the most common causes of chest pain and is frequently mistaken for a heart attack.

Circadian rhythms, which are hardwired into nearly every cell of the body, regulate the heart and blood vessels. Disruptions to this rhythm—from shift work, poor sleep, or unhealthy habits—can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. For example, heart attacks are more likely to occur on Mondays than any other day of the week. That’s because people tend to stay up later than usual and then sleep in the next day. On Monday morning, when they have to wake up early again for work, the change may cause subtle changes in blood pressure, hormone secretion, and metabolism that raise heart attack risk.

A 2025 study suggests that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can lead to heart-related complications, such as a heart attack, chronic heart failure, or an irregular heartbeat—even in people without a previous heart condition.

Everyone should learn what to do if a heart attack or stroke occurs, beyond calling 911. It helps to become familiar with heart attack and stroke symptoms, so they can be recognized. It’s also important to speak with one’s own doctor in advance, to find out if he or she advises taking an aspirin in one of those emergencies. Other precautions include keeping emergency contact and medication lists updated and handy, and talking about emergency plans with family and friends, especially one’s health care proxy.

Coronary artery disease, the most common form of heart disease, occurs when cholesterol-laden debris narrows the arteries that supply blood to the heart. It is treated with lifestyle changes and medications. However, sometimes people also need a procedure called angioplasty to open a blocked or narrowed artery to improve blood flow to the heart, along with insertion of a stent to hold it open. Most people need this if they experience a heart attack or unstable angina, when chest discomfort occurs repeatedly and unexpectedly, often at rest.

Hospital discharge instructions about medications can be complicated and confusing. Having a family member or friend along as a second set of ears during the discharge meeting can be helpful.

A 2025 study found that a pill version of the drug semaglutide, marketed as Rybelsus, can lower the risk for serious heart problems in people who have diabetes as well as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, or both.

Cannabis use is rising among older adults, who mostly use cannabis edibles such as gummies for relaxation and sleep. While smoking cannabis may raise heart attack risk, the cardiac effects of consuming cannabis in food or drinks are less well understood. Taking too much cannabis can lead to a panic attack, which can cause a pounding heart or palpitations. People who use cannabis should take it only as needed to relieve symptoms, using the lowest possible dose.