What you should know about heart attacks and how Dr. Virginia Gonzalez of Cardiovascular Diagnostic Center in West Monroe, LA, can keep you healthy
What is a heart attack?
Heart attacks, unlike heart failure (which is a chronic, long-standing condition), occur suddenly. A heart attack, a myocardial infarction, is when a blood clot develops in a coronary artery. This cuts off most or all blood supply to part of the heart muscle. If oxygenated blood isn't restored quickly, the heart muscle will falter, causing a heart attack.
The risk of experiencing this event increases for men over 45 and a woman over 55.
What are the symptoms and signs of a heart attack?
Symptoms vary from one person to another, but if you think that you're having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Common signs include:
- Tightness, discomfort, and pain in the chest area
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, and stomach
- Suffering from shortness of breath
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Feeling lightheaded
- Nausea
Other symptoms include coughing, vomiting, dizziness, the face seeming gray in color, and a feeling of terror that life is ending.
What can people do to improve their health?
- Maintain a healthy weight according to your cardiologist's advice.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.
- Quit smoking and eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol, especially if you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Visit your West Monroe doctor for regular medical checkups.
Do you need help?
You need to speak with your cardiologist if you think that you're at risk of experiencing a heart attack. If you are at all concerned, call Cardiovascular Diagnostic Center in West Monroe, LA, today at (318) 338-3540 to learn more about what you can do for your health.