Life Expectancy After a Heart Attack: What to Know by Age
Cardiovascular DiseasesHeart Attack

Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Life Expectancy After a Heart Attack, Based on Your Age

Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Life Expectancy After a Heart Attack, Based on Your Age
Everyday Health
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Updated on November 20, 2025
Medically Reviewed by
About 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 Though it is common and fatal in serious cases, most people make a full recovery, according to Nikki Bart, MBBS, a heart failure and heart transplant cardiologist at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute in Australia.

Learn how your life expectancy changes after a heart attack, how long it takes to heal, and how you can improve your longevity after this life-changing event.

What Causes a Heart Attack?

A heart attack happens when there isn’t enough blood flow to the heart muscle.

 Without proper blood flow and oxygen, the heart muscle begins to die, causing a heart attack. This medical emergency can result in permanent heart damage without proper and immediate treatment.
The most common cause of a heart attack is coronary artery disease, a type of heart disease caused by plaque buildup in your arteries.

 Over time, this buildup blocks blood flow to your heart, which can result in a heart attack.
The following factors increase your risk of a heart attack:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle

Signs of a Heart Attack and When to Go to the ER

Signs of a heart attack can vary from person to person. While some symptoms can be mild or unnoticeable, others can be severe:

  • Chest pain
  • Lightheadedness
  • Nausea
  • Arm or shoulder pain
  • Cold sweat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Neck, jaw, or back pain

If you notice any signs of a heart attack, call 911 and get to an emergency room immediately. Even if you’re unsure whether it's a heart attack, getting help is better either way. Doctors can address any underlying causes of your symptoms.

Life Expectancy After a Heart Attack by Age

Life expectancy after a heart attack depends on several factors, like the severity of the heart attack, your sex, and your age.

“Having a heart attack can be a warning sign that you’re at risk of more heart attacks,” says Dr. Bart. “Subsequent heart attacks in this vulnerable period are a major second hit and can reduce your life expectancy by a staggering 50 percent over the next five years.”

Your risk of another heart attack within the next six months is higher if you are over age 65 or have heart failure or diabetes.

Men age 45 and older and women age 55 and older are more likely to have a heart attack than younger men and women.

 According to a study published in 2024, the following examples are average life expectancies after a heart attack depending on sex and age:

  • 50-year-old women, 29.4 years
  • 65-year-old women, 18.2 years
  • 80-year-old women, 8.3 years
  • 50-year-old men, 29.7 years
  • 65-year-old men, 17.6 years
  • 80-year-old men, 7.6 years

How Long Does It Take for Your Heart to Heal After a Heart Attack?

Heart attack recovery looks different for everyone. And because everyone’s heart and body are different, recovery time can vary, too.

Recovery time “depends on if you had any significant scarring from your heart attack or if there were dangerous arrhythmias,” says Stephanie Saucier, MD, a cardiologist and codirector of the women’s heart wellness program for Hartford HealthCare’s Heart and Vascular Institute in Connecticut. “Some people’s hearts never fully heal from a heart attack. Others, with intervention and proper medications, may maintain their myocardial function.”

In general, recovery can take anywhere from two weeks to more than three months. This all depends on the type of heart attack, the treatment you receive, the response time, and your overall medical status.

How to Increase Your Longevity After a Heart Attack

Here are some ways to increase your longevity after a heart attack.

Make a Treatment Plan as Soon as Possible

It's important to talk with your doctor right away about creating an individual treatment plan, says Dr. Saucier. “It can be easy to put off scheduling an appointment, but you don’t want to wait when it comes to taking care of your heart health,” she says.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Avoid or limit foods high in saturated fat, salt, and sugar. Focus on whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins like fish and beans.

Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking

Using tobacco products and heavy alcohol consumption both increase your risk for another cardiovascular event. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol to no more than one or two drinks per day.

Enroll in a Cardiac Rehab Program

A cardiac rehab program is typically a structured program for exercise, condition management, and education. Its main goal is to strengthen your heart after a heart attack.

 It’s best for anyone who’s had a heart attack to enroll in a cardiac rehab program, says Bart.

Take Any Medication Your Doctor Prescribes

Heart medications are essential to preventing future heart attacks and repairing any heart damage. Your doctor may prescribe any of the following medications:

  • Aspirin
  • Blood thinners
  • Beta-blockers
  • Statins
  • Blood pressure medicine
  • Nitroglycerin

Manage Your Risk Factors

After a heart attack, it's essential to manage conditions that increase your risk, like high cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure, and stress.

 Your doctor can help you create short-term and long-term health goals.

However, there are some risk factors you have no control over, like genetics. “If you have a first-degree relative like a parent or sibling who’s had a heart attack, especially at a young age, then you’re also at risk,” says Bart. “Understanding your family history means you can get early screening and treatment if necessary.”

When to See a Doctor

Regardless of age, life expectancy after a heart attack is different for everyone. Get help as soon as you notice symptoms of a heart attack:

  • Chest pains
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Insomnia
After a heart attack, it's important to schedule regular checkups with your doctor to assess your recovery. Your first follow-up will typically be four to six weeks after you leave the hospital.

The Takeaway

  • Heart attacks happen when there is poor blood flow to your heart muscle. They are commonly caused by coronary artery disease or plaque buildup in your arteries.
  • In general, the older you are when you have a heart attack, the more it affects your life expectancy. Your risk of another heart attack within the next six months is higher if you are age 65 or older.
  • Recovery after a heart attack and preventing another heart attack involves healthy lifestyle changes, medications, and rehab programs.
  • Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if you suspect symptoms of a heart attack, including chest pains, shortness of breath, or lightheadedness.

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Chung Yoon, MD

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Chung Yoon, MD, is a noninvasive cardiologist with a passion for diagnosis, prevention, intervention, and treatment of a wide range of heart and cardiovascular disorders. He enjoys clinical decision-making and providing patient care in both hospital and outpatient settings. He excels at analytical and decision-making skills and building connection and trust with patients and their families.
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Resources
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