What is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack is when the oxygen-rich blood supply to your heart gets suddenly blocked, and a section of heart muscle begins to die. The blockage typically consists of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in your blood that build up on your artery walls in the form of plaque. A piece of plaque can break away and form a clot that blocks blood flow.
Heart attack symptoms vary widely in type and severity. Some heart attacks strike all of a sudden, while others show warning signs for hours, days, or even weeks ahead of time.
Warning signs of a heart attack may include:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats
To diagnose a heart attack, we perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and discuss the symptoms you’re having. We may perform tests, including:
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Echocardiogram
- Chest X-ray
- Stress test
To improve the health of your heart and reduce the risk of a heart attack, we may recommend lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity. However, we develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment for a heart attack will depend on the severity of your symptoms and may include:
- Medications
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Surgical procedures, such as stenting
To learn more information and discuss treatment options, call Premier Cardiovascular Consultants, or request an appointment online today.