Does your heartbeat change during a heart attack?

I completely understand the anxiety of sitting and constantly monitoring your heartbeat. Yes, it can change during an attack, but if you are experiencing severe chest tightness or pain going down your arm, please go to an emergency hospital immediately instead of worrying at home.

I am trying to learn more about this because my grandfather lives alone. Does the heartbeat always go fast, or can it also become very slow and weak during an attack? I want to make sure I know all the signs.

Yes, your heartbeat can become highly irregular or rapid. If you or someone around you experiences this with sudden chest pain or shortness of breath, don't waste time checking it further—go to the hospital immediately.

Our cardiologist explained that arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat, is highly common during a heart attack because the heart muscle is deprived of oxygen. If you notice a sudden irregular pulse combined with chest discomfort or sweating, please go to the nearest ER immediately.