Can you have a heart attack for several days?

Hello, I'm an expert in cardiology with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating heart conditions. To answer your question: A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, typically occurs suddenly and is a result of a blockage in a coronary artery that cuts off the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle. The heart muscle begins to die if blood flow is not restored within a certain time frame. A heart attack is a singular event, not a condition that persists for several days. However, there is a concept known as "demand ischemia" where the heart's demand for oxygen exceeds the supply, which can cause symptoms similar to a heart attack. This can occur over a period of time, but it's not the same as having a heart attack for several days. It's also important to distinguish between a heart attack and angina, which is chest pain or discomfort caused by poor blood flow to the heart. Angina can be chronic and occur over several days, but it is not a heart attack. If you or someone else is experiencing symptoms that could be indicative of a heart attack, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Some heart attacks strike suddenly, but many people have warning signs and symptoms hours, days or weeks in advance. The earliest warning may be recurrent chest pain (angina) that's triggered by exertion and relieved by rest. ... A heart attack can cause cardiac arrest, but it's not the only cause.