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    Heart Attack

    A heart attack occurs when a blockage in one or more of your arteries prevents the blood that normally supplies oxygen and nutrients to the heart from making it to its destination. Without the oxygen and nutrients it needs, heart tissue is damaged or dies. Even if you survive the heart attack, your heart can sustain damage that puts you at greater risk for future heart attacks and limits your heart’s ability to support your former level of activity.

    An extensive blockage, especially in a major blood vessel, such as the left anterior descending artery, can cause a large heart attack. Large heart attacks that are not treated early and aggressively can lead to heart failure. Certain types of heart failure have 5-year mortality rates of 50 percent or more, worse than many forms of cancer.

    It is better to go to the hospital and learn that you are not having a heart attack than to stay home and have one. That’s because the consequences of an untreated heart attack are so great. If your symptoms persist for more than 15 minutes, you are at more risk that heart muscle cells will die. That's why every second counts when you have a heart attack. It is critical for you and your heart that you receive immediate medical attention.

    To receive the best care, you have about 90 minutes from the onset of the heart attack for an interventional cardiologist or surgeon to restore the flow of blood to the heart before critical heart tissue dies or is damaged. Getting to a hospital that has the ability to perform a heart catheterization and balloon angioplasty is the first, key step in obtaining the best treatment.

    All it takes is an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)—a simple painless test—to find out if you’re having a heart attack. You can get one in the ambulance on your way to the hospital! It’s a very effective way to reduce the time it takes to get you the treatment you need.

    At the Hospital

    If you arrive at the emergency room while having a heart attack, you may be given clot-busting drugs, especially if you arrive at a hospital that does not do balloon angioplasty. Alternatively, if you go to a hospital with a catheterization lab you will be taken directly to the cath lab where balloon angioplasty and stenting can be performed. Some patients with heart attacks are best treated with emergency bypass surgery. Bypass surgery, balloon angioplasty and stenting open the blockage in the artery and restore blood flow to the heart muscle.

    Angioplasty is performed by an interventional cardiologist to restore normal blood flow through a clogged or blocked artery. It is successful in the treatment of 95 to 98 of every 100 patients. If you are having a heart attack and are able to receive angioplasty soon enough, it can stop the heart attack and possibly save your life.

    The goal is to restore the blood flow to your heart in less than 90 minutes from the onset of the attack. However, even after 90 minutes, angioplasty or bypass surgery may still help prevent additional damage to the heart muscle.

    When you do get help, speak up! Tell others “I may be having a having a heart attack!” or ask, “Could this be a heart attack?”

    Be an advocate for your own health. Ask questions and be very clear in your communication with your doctor and other health care professionals. Tell your doctor about all of your symptoms, even if they seem strange or you feel embarrassed. The more information your doctor has, the easier it will be to put the puzzle pieces together.

  • Warning Signs

    Heart Attack Survival Guide

    Overview of Tips for Heart Attack patients

    Heart Attack Warning Signs in Women

    When a heart attack strikes, seconds count for everyone, regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity. Any delay in treating your heart attack increases your chances of permanent, irreparable damage to your heart—and, it could cost you your life.

    What Are the Warning Signs for Heart Attack?

    It’s easy to delay action when a heart attack occurs for this simple reason: You may not think it’s a heart attack. Sudden, dramatic “Hollywood” heart attacks do occur. But more often, a heart attack begins with mild pain or pressure in the chest.