What is a heart attack and how to prevent heart problems

Disclaimer: The medical information in this article is of a general educational nature only. It should not be relied on to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or as a substitute for the specific advice of a health professional.

In our latest Health and Wellness podcast episode, St John of God Subiaco Hospital Cardiologist Dr Michelle Ammerer talks about preventing, diagnosing and surviving a heart attack.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack is a medical emergency that occurs when one of the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle becomes blocked suddenly, stopping oxygen from reaching the heart. Without quick medical care, the lack of blood flow can damage the heart muscles and in severe cases lead to cardiac arrest or ongoing heart problems.

What causes heart problems?

The most common cause of heart attack is sudden blockage of a coronary artery, usually due to plaque build-up over time. Several factors can increase your risk including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight, lack of physical activity and unhealthy eating habits.

There are cases of people at higher risk due to family history or existing medical conditions. Dr Ammerer explains that people living with diabetes and those who have previously had a heart attack are particularly vulnerable, making careful monitoring and ongoing medical care essential.

How to prevent a heart attack

One of the most effective ways to learn how to prevent a heart attack is knowing your health numbers, including cholesterol levels, blood pressure and blood sugar. Regular check-ups with a GP can help identify risk factors early and guide appropriate treatment.

Dr Ammerer stresses that prevention is about identifying risk factors early and managing them properly through evidence-based medical care. This may include medication prescribed by your doctor as well as lifestyle changes such as improving diet, increasing physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight.

If you are wondering how to avoid a heart attack, focus on sustainable long-term habits. Regular moderate exercise is recommended, rather than extreme or high-intensity training. A simple guide is exercising until you feel warm, slightly breathless and lightly sweaty.

Eating a balanced, nutritious diet, avoiding smoking, and staying physically active all help reduce cardiac risk. These changes are not short-term fixes but lifelong commitments to heart health.

How to prevent heart problems

For people who have already experienced a heart attack, ongoing care is essential to prevent heart attack recurrence. This includes taking prescribed medications, seeing both your GP and cardiologist regularly and participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Cardiac rehab helps people safely return to exercise, rebuild confidence and improve quality of life. With the right care and lifestyle choices, many people go on to live full, active lives after a heart attack.

Learn more about our cardiology services.