Feeling fine after a heart attack? You could still have a serious blockage

After experiencing a heart attack, it's common for individuals to believe the worst has passed. However, this does not necessarily mean their heart arteries are free from blockages. Dr. Aseem Dhall, the Director & Head of Cardiac Sciences at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital, emphasizes that even when patients feel perfectly fine, they may still have significant blockages in one or more heart arteries.

Dr. Dhall explains that a heart attack often occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced or blocked. After the immediate event, symptoms may subside, but this does not imply that the underlying narrowing in the arteries has vanished. Sometimes, blood flow may temporarily improve, but the coronary arteries can still be diseased. Additionally, there could be narrowing in other arteries that hasn't yet manifested noticeable symptoms.

To determine the presence of a significant blockage, doctors conduct follow-up evaluations, which may include various tests such as ECGs, blood tests, echocardiograms, stress tests, or coronary angiography. These assessments help doctors evaluate the damage caused by the heart attack and the condition of the coronary arteries. Based on the severity, location, symptoms, heart function, and overall risk of further complications, doctors decide whether medications alone are sufficient or if a procedure like angioplasty is necessary.

Ignoring a major blockage can have severe consequences. It can continue to restrict blood and oxygen supply to the heart, potentially leading to another heart attack, worsening heart function, heart failure, abnormal heart rhythms, or even sudden cardiac complications in the future. Therefore, while feeling well after a heart attack is reassuring, it should not be taken as a guarantee that the heart arteries are clear.

Regular cardiology follow-ups and the tests advised by the treating doctor are crucial, even when symptoms have disappeared.