When a person has these symptoms, the emergency services should be called immediately.
Complications
There are two types of complications that can happen following heart attack. The first occurs pretty much straightaway and the second happens later on.
Immediate complications
Arrhythmias: the heart beats irregularly, either too fast or too slowly.
Cardiogenic shock: a person's blood pressure drops suddenly and the heart cannot supply enough blood for the body to work adequately.
Hypoxemia: levels of oxygen in the blood become too low.
Pulmonary edema: fluid accumulates in and around the lungs.
DVT or deep vein thrombosis: the deep veins of the legs and pelvis develop blood clots that either block or interrupt the flow of blood in the vein.
Myocardial rupture: the heart attack damages the wall of the heart, meaning an increased risk of a heart wall rupture.
Ventricular aneurysm: a heart chamber, known as a ventricle, forms a bulge.
Complications that can occur later
Aneurysm: scar tissue builds up on the damaged heart wall, leading to blood clots, low blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Angina: not enough oxygen reaches the heart, causing chest pain.
Congestive heart failure: the heart can only beat very weakly, leaving a person feeling exhausted and breathless.
Edema: fluid accumulates in the ankles and legs, causing them to swell.
Loss of erectile function: erectile dysfunction is generally caused by a vascular problem. However, it can also be the result of depression.
Loss of libido: a loss of sexual drive can happen, especially in the case of men.
Pericarditis: the lining of the heart becomes inflamed, causing serious chest pain.
