Get help if you think you're having a heart attack Call 999 immediately if you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack. Don't wait for symptoms to improve.
About heart disease Heart disease, also known as
Cardiovascular disease, affects around 1 in 3 people in Jersey.
Heart attacks remain the single most common cause of death on the Island.
Types of heart conditions Common heart conditions include:
coronary heart disease. Learn more about what conditions this can lead to on the NHS, including: high blood pressure heart failure heart valve disorders heart rhythm disorders genetic disorders congenital heart disease
You can find more information about other types of
cardiovascular disease on NHS .
Heart attack signs and symptoms
Knowing the signs and symptoms and acting quickly gives you or someone you know the best chance of surviving a heart attack.
Call 999 immediately if you think you or someone else might be having a heart attack. This includes if you notice any new or persistent symptoms.
Symptoms include:
chest pain or discomfort. This is not always a crushing pain shortness of breath, either when you are resting or waking at night severe or unusual tiredness, fatigue or exhaustion pain in the: nausea indigestion stomach pain dizziness or light-headedness sweating Check out the British Heart Foundation (BHF) video below to learn more about:
what happens during a heart attack how it can be treated the lifestyle changes that can help lower your risk of having another one
VIDEO
C auses and risks of heart disease
You may be of risk of developing heart disease if you:
have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension have high cholesterol are a smoker are overweight or obese are not physically active have a poor diet, that includes foods high in saturated fat, salt or sugar drink alcohol regularly are stressed have mental health challenges have diabetes have a family history of heart disease Additional risk factors for women There are other risk factors which can affect women’s heart health.
You should get regular heart health check-ups if you have or previously had:
pregnancy related conditions: pre-eclampsia gestational hypertension gestational diabetes preterm birth low-birth-weight of baby polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) autoimmune and inflammatory conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis breast cancer treatment chronic kidney disease (CKD) high cholesterol including: Lipoprotein(a) or (Lp(a)) Non-HDL cholesterol Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) early menopause or hormone-related conditions
Women’s Heart Health on NHS Inform
Women and heart attacks on the British Heart Foundation (BHF)
Cholesterol & Lipid Information on HeartUK
Menopause and your heart health It can increase your risk of heart related conditions if you:
go through menopause before you're 40 have issues with your ovary function The menopause can significantly affect your overall heart health, including blood pressure and cholesterol.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) In some cases, HRT can relieve your symptoms. However, it’s not used to prevent heart disease.
If you have an existing heart condition and are considering HRT, discuss this with a specialist.
Learn more about menopause health, including hormone replacement therapy (HRT) .
How to protect your heart There are many things you can do to protect your heart and to reduce your chances of developing heart disease and getting a heart attack:
eat a balanced diet get regular exercise stop smoking maintain a healthy weight
reduce your alcohol intake and ensure you have alcohol free days manage existing health conditions Find more detailed guidance about prevention, including information on diet and exercise on NHS .
Healthy eating guidelines
If you use a wheelchair, the NHS provides additional information and fitness guidance specifically for wheelchair users.
Fitness advice for wheelchair users on NHS
Get help to stop smoking
You're 3 times more likely to stop smoking for good using the Help2Quit service, than if you go it alone. The Stop Smoking Service:
offers free support to anyone living in Jersey who wants to stop smoking is a confidential and friendly service supplies free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) Find more information about the support available through the Help2Quit stop smoking service.
Second hand tobacco smoke: How to protect yourself and others
Get help with alcohol issues Find out more about alcohol issues and getting help and
alcohol awareness .
Diagnosing heart disease There are tests to diagnose heart disease, including:
blood pressure cholesterol, also known as your Lipid profile blood sugar or diabetes screening weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) QRISK3 assessment. This scores your risk of heart attack or stroke
Heart health care and support in Jersey The
Jersey Heart Team is the specialist cardiology service in Jersey. It's responsible for diagnosing, treating, and supporting people with heart conditions across the Island, and includes:
heart and cardiac care outpatient clinics testing facilities specialist pathways 
gov.je