In 2011, at the age of 66, Angela's husband, a talented musician, had a cardiac arrest while in the recovery room after an operation. He was resuscitated. At first, the medical team were reassuring, but it turned out that he had suffered catastrophic hypoxic (oxygen deprivation) brain injury and he has remained in a minimally conscious state ever since. Has become progressively less responsive over time.

• Vegetative and minimally conscious states profiles: Minimally conscious or unconfirmed vegetative diagnosis

Sab thinks that the investigation of a chest pain saved him from a heart attack that was about to happen. He had several tests including an ECG and an angiogram. The angiogram confirmed that he had coronary artery disease. Six months ago he underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Graft surgery (CABG). He joined his local cardiac rehabilitation programme and increased his exercise routine gradually. He plays golf, walks regularly and works in his allotment. He also attends the 'post-graduate' cardiac re

Stanley had a heart attack and four cardiac arrests. He underwent primary angioplasty and had a stent fitted. He feels breathless so his hospital appointment to see the consultant has been brought forward by several months. He gave up smoking four weeks before his heart attack.

James had a heart attack in February 2011 and a stroke in 2010. He had primary angioplasty and two stents fitted. He completed the six weeks cardiac rehabilitation programme and continues attending the weekly sessions as part of a local community health programme. James has made significant changes to his diet, levels of exercise and has given up smoking.

Mervyn contacted NHS Direct after persistent chest pain and spoke to a doctor who sent a paramedic team to assess him. The ambulance crew took him to hospital and he had primary angioplasty and two stents fitted. He takes the following medications aspirin, bisoprolol, simvastatin and ramipril.

Alan recently had a heart attack, was treated with primary angioplasty and a stent was put in. He is due to start a Cardiac Rehabilitation programme soon. He and his wife think that the quality of care Alan received has been excellent but would have like more information and advice for when going home. Alan walks and goes for a cycle ride every day.

In 2008, and following a heart attack Neil underwent quadruple bypass surgery. Later, he experienced a stroke that he interpreted as a 'wakeup call' and began to make lifestyle changes. He retired from a highly stressful job, gave up smoking and reduced his alcohol intake. He takes medication and uses complementary therapies.

In October 2011, John suffered a heart attack and had primary angioplasty and a stent was fitted in the artery that needed urgent treatment but while in hospital, they fitted a second stent in another blocked artery. Test results show that his heart was only minimally affected by the heart attack. John is full of praise for the level and quality of care he has been receiving on the NHS.

In the following video clips he gives an introduction heart attack, its causes and treatments and a view for the future.

Heart attack 1998. Coronary artery bypass surgery 1998. Current medication' aspirin, simvastatin