Heart Attack

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States experiences a heart attack. The experts at AssociatesMD in Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Weston, Margate, and Dania Beach, Florida, offer advanced cardiac care, specializing in heart attack prevention and rehabilitation for both men and women. To minimize your risk of heart-related complications or to recover after an attack, contact the office today or book an appointment online.

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to the heart is obstructed, potentially leading to damage or death of the heart muscle. Typically, coronary artery disease is the underlying cause of heart attacks. This condition involves the accumulation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, fat, and plaque within the arteries, causing them to narrow. 

If plaque ruptures within a coronary artery, a blood clot forms around it, obstructing blood flow to the heart muscle. Additionally, coronary artery tears or spasms can trigger heart attacks.

To prevent severe complications like congestive heart failure or death, seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you're having a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Symptoms of a heart attack can vary in severity but commonly include nausea, cold sweats, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, indigestion or heartburn, dizziness or lightheadedness, chest pressure, and discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Notably, women may experience heart attacks without chest pressure and instead have symptoms resembling those of the flu. 

Given that women often attribute their symptoms to factors like aging or indigestion, heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States.

Certain individuals may experience chest pains, known as angina, before a heart attack occurs.

How do you prevent and treat a heart attack?

Your provider collaborates closely with patients to identify and manage factors that elevate their risk of heart attacks, which may include diabetes, smoking, family history, high cholesterol, excess weight, high blood pressure, or a high-stress lifestyle. If you suspect a heart attack, promptly visit the emergency room for specialized testing and monitoring.

These tests may include blood tests to detect enzymes indicative of heart damage and electrocardiograms to assess heart electrical activity and rhythm.

Following a heart attack, your doctor may recommend digital imaging tests such as chest X-rays, echocardiograms, CT scans, or MRIs to assess damage and determine the cause. Additionally, a nuclear stress test may be performed to evaluate heart and blood vessel function during exertion. Treatment options for heart attacks and prevention of recurrence often involve lifestyle modifications, medications, or surgical procedures.

For guidance on heart attack prevention and treatment, contact AssociatesMD or schedule an appointment online today.