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Heart attack: questions to ask your doctor

Last published:Sep 20, 2021

If you've had a heart attack you may want to talk to your doctor to find out more. Here are some questions that you might want to ask.

  • How much has my heart been damaged? Where is the damage?

  • Is my heart pumping properly?

  • Am I likely to have problems (complications) because of my heart attack, such as an abnormal heartbeat?

  • Could my heart stop beating?

  • How was my heart attack treated? Do I need further treatment to widen the blood vessel to my heart that was blocked during the heart attack?

  • Will I have to take drugs for the rest of my life?

  • When can I go home?

  • What are my chances of having another heart attack?

  • What things can I do to avoid having another heart attack?

  • When will I be able to get back to my regular routine?

  • Is it safe to resume my sex life after a heart attack?

The patient information from BMJ Best Practice is regularly updated. The most recent version of Best Practice can be found at bestpractice.bmj.com. This information is intended for use by health professionals. It is not a substitute for medical advice. It is strongly recommended that you independently verify any interpretation of this material and, if you have a medical problem, see your doctor.

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