When is GP consultation recommended for a heart attack?

A heart attack happens when part of the heart muscle is deprived of blood flow. Hospital care takes priority when this is suspected. Once you are medically stable, a GP can help coordinate ongoing care, check how you are coping with medicines, and review issues such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, activity, and emotional wellbeing. Bring discharge information and an up-to-date medicine list if you have them.

Arrange follow-up after discharge or when the hospital team recommends it. Tell the GP about chest discomfort, breathlessness, tiredness, palpitations, dizziness, swelling, or difficulty taking a prescribed medicine. Do not stop heart medicines or restart strenuous exercise without clinical advice. A GP may help with referrals, rehabilitation planning, lifestyle changes, and a clear plan for monitoring symptoms.

Call emergency services for new or worsening pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest, especially with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, or jaw. Do not wait for a GP appointment or drive yourself. After a heart attack, urgent assessment is also needed for severe breathlessness, collapse, or symptoms that feel like the original episode.

Ask which medicines you should take and what to do if a dose is missed, how much activity is suitable, which symptoms require emergency help, and when blood tests or specialist follow-up are due. You can also ask how to manage work, travel, driving, sleep, and anxiety during recovery.