A heart attack can happen to anyone, and when it does, every minute counts. Medically known as a myocardial infarction, a heart attack occurs when blood flow to a part of the heart muscle is blocked, usually by a clot. Without prompt treatment, the affected heart muscle begins to die.

The classic sign is chest pain, often described as pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation. But heart attacks don't always announce themselves dramatically. Many patients experience symptoms like jaw pain, back discomfort, nausea, cold sweats, or unusual fatigue, especially women, who may not have the "textbook" presentation at all.

At Lilavati Hospital, GIFT City, our emergency cardiac team operates on a rapid-response protocol. From the moment a patient arrives, our goal is to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, ideally within 90 minutes through a procedure called Primary PCI (Percutaneous Coronary Intervention), commonly known as primary angioplasty.

This procedure involves threading a catheter through an artery, locating the blockage, and placing a small stent to re-open the vessel. When performed swiftly, it dramatically improves survival and reduces long-term heart damage.

Post-attack, recovery is a journey, and our cardiac rehabilitation team supports every step of it. From supervised exercise programmes to medication management and psychological support, we walk alongside our patients long after they leave the hospital.
The takeaway? Know your symptoms. Don't wait. Act fast.

If you suspect a heart attack, in yourself or someone around you, call emergency services immediately and head to the nearest cardiac-capable hospital. Time is muscle, and at Lilavati Hospital GIFT City, we're always ready.