Heart Attack
Heart Attack
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction (MI), occurs when the heart’s blood flow gets obstructed. It is often caused by high cholesterol content in the patient’s blood.
At HeartCare Texas, we understand the urgency and seriousness of heart attacks. Our team of experienced cardiologists and healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing prompt and effective care to patients experiencing heart attacks. Through a combination of advanced diagnostic tools, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support, we strive to help our patients recover from heart attacks and regain optimal heart health.
What is the main cause of a heart attack?
Coronary artery disease, primarily caused by cholesterol deposits in heart arteries, often leads to heart attacks. These deposits, called plaques, can narrow arteries, limiting blood flow to the heart. If a plaque ruptures, it can trigger a blood clot, resulting in a heart attack.
However, not all heart attacks are due to blockages. Other causes can include coronary artery spasms, infections like COVID-19, and spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD).
What are the risk factors for a heart attack?
Some heart attack risk factors include:
- Family history
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Hypertension
- Lack of physical activity
- Eating high-fat foods
- Drug use
What are the early warning signs of a heart attack?
Heart attack symptoms can play out differently for everyone. However, some common warning signs of heart attack include chest pain, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, a heart that feels like it's skipping a beat, and breaking out in a cold sweat. But for women and for patients with diabetes, the red flags might show up a little differently, like:
- Unusual and sudden fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Insomnia
- Pain in the back, shoulders, or abdomen
With the right diagnosis and treatment, your heart can bounce back and function like a champ again!
Heart attack treatment at HeartCare Texas
The common types of medical tests usually conducted at HeartCare Texas are:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
- Echocardiography
- Cardiac catheterization
- Stress tests
- Hypertension
After diagnosis, our physician will determine the treatment method depending on whether the blood flow is completely or partially blocked. Our options include:
- Medications like pain relievers, beta-blockers, and other blood-thinning medicines
- Surgical procedures to restore the blood flow, such as coronary angioplasty, bypass surgery, stent placement, and balloon angioplasty.