• Heart Attack

    Heart Attack

    In a heart attack, every second counts. Learning the symptoms of a heart attack and getting help quickly can mean the difference between life and death, and can reduce the long-term impact that a heart attack can have on quality of life. Interventional cardiologists are specially trained to stop a heart attack by opening blocked arteries and restoring blood flowing to the heart.

  • Heart and Vascular Disease

    Symptoms of a 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 a heart attack may also begin with mild pain or pressure in the chest. Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack can help you know when to dial 911 for yourself or a loved one, and increase the odds of quickly having life-saving blood flow restored to the heart muscle.

    What is Cardiovascular Disease?

    Cardiovascular disease refers to a broad range of diseases that cause narrowing of the blood vessels or weaken the artery walls, resulting in disruptions in efficient blood flow. Included under the broad umbrella of cardiovascular disease are coronary artery disease, heart attack, stroke, peripheral artery disease (PAD), renal (kidney) artery disease, heart failure and high blood pressure. While these conditions may affect different parts of the body, they often share the same underlying cause: atherosclerosis (pronounced ath-row-sklee-rosis), or “hardening” of the arteries.

    SecondsCount Heart Attack Survival Guide

    Know the symptoms of heart attack and take them seriously. Here’s a key thing to remember about a common misconception: Not all people with heart attacks experience chest pain. Be on the alert for all of the symptoms of heart attack. Learn them here.

    Holidays Bring Highest Rates of Fatal Heart Attacks

    Of all times of the year to know the symptoms of a heart attack, Christmas and New Year’s Day may be the most important. That’s because research has shown that more people die from heart attack on these two holidays, plus the day after Christmas, than other days of the year.

  • Treatment and Prevention

    Cardiac Rehabilitation

    Cardiac rehabilitation programs help participants resume a healthy lifestyle after a cardiac event and include monitored exercise, education and counseling about cardiac risk factors, and psychosocial support. Studies have shown that participants who complete cardiac rehab programs have better odds of a longer life than those who don’t complete a program.

  • Tests and Diagnostics

    Angiogram

    An angiogram is a diagnostic procedure that provides detailed, x-ray pictures of your heart and its blood vessels. It is performed by a specially trained cardiologist, called an interventional cardiologist.

  • Devender Vittedi - Life Saved by Quick Treatment to Open a Blocked Artery

    Devender doesn’t remember the details of the day he collapsed, but he does know that receiving quick treatment to open a severely narrowed heart artery saved his life. After 18 days in the hospital to give his body time to heal and a few months of taking it slow, Devender is back to playing the sports he loves – and he’s training to run a marathon! Read his story.

    Jan Brown - Not a Typical TV Heart Attack

    Jan symptoms were more like the flu than a heart attack. Fortunately, her friends knew heart attack symptoms vary, especially in women, and they insisted she seek prompt medical care. She underwent emergency angioplasty and is doing well. Read her story.

    Melissa – Knowing the Signs of Heart Attacks

    Heart attack was just about the last thing on 40-year-old Melissa’s mind. The active mother of two sons had just seen her doctor for a complete physical a few months earlier and had no symptoms that would indicate heart disease. When her heart attack struck, the symptoms weren’t typical. Read about how undergoing an EKG test showed she was having a heart attack and how she was successfully treated.

    Peggy Vardeman - Women’s Heart Attack Symptoms Often Differ From Men’s

    Peggy Vardeman has had a number of heart-related health scare. Each time she has noted back pain, nausea and sweating, never the stereotypical crushing chest pain portrayed in the movies. “I’m a perfect example of women experiencing different symptoms than men,” she says. Read Peggy’s story to learn more about women and cardiovascular disease.

    Rick Barnes - Miraculous Fight for Life After Heart Attack

    When Rick Barnes left his job at Mayfield Dairies at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2003, and headed home to Lula, he had a normal day planned. Little did he know that less than 24 hours later, he would have a massive heart attack and go on to survive a night that, according to his doctors, he should not have lived through. Read his story.