Heart Attack Specialist

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when part of your heart is unable to get an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood. Heart attacks happen when there’s a blockage in one of your coronary arteries.

The blockage may result from a blood clot or the buildup of plaque along the wall of these arteries — a condition known as coronary artery disease. Without an adequate supply of oxygen-rich blood, the heart muscle dies. 

A heart attack is a medical emergency, and you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you think you’re having a heart attack.  

What are the warning signs of a heart attack?

Though heart attacks may occur suddenly and unexpectedly, many people have warning signs days or weeks before they have a heart attack. Knowing what to look for before you have a heart attack may save your life.

Heart attack warning signs include:

• Chest pain that comes and goes
• Pressure or fullness in the chest
• Discomfort in your arms, shoulder, neck, or jaw
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Nausea

You may also have angina, which is a type of chest pain that occurs during physical activity and goes away when at rest. 

You may be at risk of having a heart attack if you have coronary artery disease or a history of high cholesterol or high blood pressure.  

How can I prevent a heart attack?

Schedule a cardiology consultation at Apex Cardiology Consultants to discuss steps you can take to prevent a heart attack. The cardiology experts conduct a comprehensive exam and diagnostic testing to assess heart health, look for signs of disease, and assess your risk of having a heart attack.

Even if you have heart attack risk factors, your provider at Apex Cardiology Consultants can provide recommendations that may prevent the life-threatening condition. Recommendations may include:

• Heart-healthy diet
• A personalized exercise program
• Weight loss
• Smoking cessation
• Medication to treat high blood pressure or high cholesterol

If you have coronary artery disease, interventional cardiologists may perform interventional coronary balloon angioplasty and stenting to improve blood flow through your coronary arteries. 

What happens after I have a heart attack?

Apex Cardiology Consultants provides cardiology care following a heart attack. The specifics of your treatment plan may depend on the cause of your heart attack and the severity of your heart damage.

Treatment may include a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, or interventional coronary artery procedures.

Schedule your cardiology consultation with the experts at Apex Cardiology Consultants by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.