The incidence of complications after acute myocardial infarction (MI) has been estimated to range from 14-95 per cent, with an overall one-month mortality of 30 per cent. Early treatment, as advocated by the National Service Framework for Heart Disease, has brought about some reduction in associated morbidity and mortality after MI. This article reviews the common complications associated with an acute MI, such as cardiogenic shock, pericarditis and heart failure. Nurses who are knowledgeable about potential complications should be able to detect early signs and symptoms, initiate emergency treatment, and prevent profound haemodynamic compromise occurring.