Heart Attack Specialist

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. 

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

Some people experience warning signs when they have a heart attack, while others don’t experience any symptoms at all. When a heart attack does cause warning signs, they may include:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shortness of breath
• Cold sweats
  
  

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. 

What should I do if I think I’m having a heart attack?

Heart attacks can be fatal, so it’s imperative to act immediately if you think you’re experiencing one. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Call 911 right away or have someone drive you to the nearest hospital. You should only drive yourself as a last resort. 

How are heart attacks diagnosed?

Because heart attacks are usually unexpected, an emergency room doctor may be the one to initially diagnose and treat the condition. After you’re stable, they may refer you to the team at Premier Cardiovascular Consultants.

To diagnose a heart attack, your doctor performs a physical exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform tests, including:

• Blood tests
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Echocardiogram
• Chest X-ray
• Stress test
  
  

How are heart attacks treated?

Premier Cardiovascular Consultants develops an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment for a heart attack may include:

• Medications
• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Surgical procedures, such as stenting 
  
  

They also recommend lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity, to improve your heart health and reduce your risk of another heart attack. 

For personalized treatment after a heart attack, call Premier Cardiovascular Consultants or request an appointment online today.