How Long Can a Heart Attack Last

03 February 2025

Posted in

Heart Health

Heart attacks, though often sensationalized in the media as sudden and fatal events where individuals drop dead in an instant, actually vary in duration and presentation. This common perception can overshadow the nuanced reality of heart attacks, which may unfold differently for each person. In this blog, Aleicia Mack, D.O., a board-certified cardiologist at INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital, shares the importance of how understanding the potential length of a heart attack is crucial for recognizing symptoms and seeking timely medical attention.

Heart attack duration

The big picture: Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, occur when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, usually due to a clot forming in a coronary artery. In general, a heart attack can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

The acute phase of a heart attack occurs when a sudden blockage in the coronary artery restricts blood flow to a part of the heart muscle.

Mild heart attack symptoms may only last for two to five minutes and then come to a halt when you rest.
But a full-blown heart attack with a total blockage can stick around for a much longer stretch, sometimes lingering for over 20 minutes.
Symptoms typically develop gradually and can worsen with physical activity.
In this crucial moment, it's important to act fast with medical help to get blood flowing back to the heart and avoid any more harm to the heart muscle.

Educate yourself: Any heart attack can prove fatal but heart attacks resulting from blockages in the left anterior descending artery can cause what is called a widowmaker heart attack.

What causes some heart attacks to last longer than others?

At a glance: The duration of a heart attack can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the blockage, the location of the blockage and how quickly you receive medical intervention. Immediate medical attention is vital to reduce heart damage and improve outcomes.

The severity of the blockage in the coronary artery is a significant factor.

A heart attack with partial blockage produces a shorter episode.
However, a complete blockage that prevents blood flow to the heart can last hours.

The location of the blockage within the coronary arteries plays a role.

When a blockage is near the main artery trunk or a major branch, it impacts a larger heart area, leading to prolonged oxygen deprivation.
Conversely, blockages in smaller branches of the heart may result in shorter heart attack durations.

Underlying conditions may also influence the duration.

People with pre-existing heart conditions or risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol may have longer heart attacks due to compromised heart function or decreased blood flow.

The duration of a heart attack is multifactorial. The time it takes to intervene medically is a major determining factor.

Getting fast emergency care and timely treatments can shorten a heart attack's duration and lessen its impact on the heart.
Clot-busting medications, angioplasty and stent placement are effective ways of treating heart attacks.

How can you tell if you have a heart attack?

The bottom line: Recognizing the signs of a heart attack is crucial. Symptoms vary between people, especially among genders. If you experience these signs, seek immediate medical help to ensure fast care and reduce complications.

"Recognizing the subtle signs of a heart attack can be lifesaving,” Mack says. “It's crucial for everyone to understand that symptoms like chest discomfort, shortness of breath and unusual fatigue may not always be dramatic. If something feels off, trust your instincts and seek help immediately.”

The most common symptoms include:

Chest pressure that may come and go or persist.
Feeling out of breath or having difficulty breathing.
Cold sweats not attributed to exercise.
Discomfort in the chest area.
Feeling nauseous or light-headed.
Unexplained fatigue.
Pain that radiates down one or both arms.

What can be mistaken for a heart attack?

What you need to know: Any type of chest pain that lasts more than several hours may not actually be a sign of a heart attack. It's important to recognize that conditions other than a heart attack can mimic its symptoms, so distinguishing between them is crucial for receiving appropriate care.

Angina is chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

Angina, though like a heart attack, usually eases with rest or medication and is commonly brought on by physical activity or stress.

Heartburn can cause a burning sensation in the chest that may be mistaken for heart attack pain.

You may notice the pain or discomfort after eating or lying down.

Lung conditions, such as pneumonia or pulmonary embolism, can present with chest pain and breathing difficulties.

These conditions are usually accompanied by respiratory symptoms like coughing or wheezing.

Digestive issues can cause abdominal pain that radiates to the chest.

Examples include gallbladder disease, pancreatitis or peptic ulcers.

Costochondritis is inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone.

This inflammation can cause chest pain that varies in intensity, worsened by movement or deep breathing.

Next steps: To take charge of your health, educate yourself about heart attacks and discuss any concerns with your primary care physician or cardiologist. Your well-being matters – stay informed and proactive about your heart health.