At the Heart of Exceptional Care

A heart attack occurs when the coronary artery is blocked or narrowed, cutting off blood flow to the heart.

Signs can include:

• Chest discomfort
• Difficulty breathing
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Nausea/vomiting
• Pain in the jaw, neck, upper back and/or arms (especially the left arm)

In women, heart attack symptoms may be milder and could include unusual fatigue and chest discomfort, rather than chest pain. It’s import not to minimize symptoms, as the situation could quickly escalate.

If you or a loved one experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

You should consider seeing a cardiologist if you:

• Experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, or fainting
• Have a family history of heart disease, especially if it includes early heart attacks or other conditions
• Are diagnosed with conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, which can increase your risk of heart problems
• Have a history of smoking or other lifestyle factors that may affect heart health
• Feel fatigued or have reduced exercise tolerance that seems unusual for you

Additionally, your primary care doctor may refer you to a cardiologist if they detect irregularities during routine checkups, such as an abnormal heartbeat or heart murmur. If you're unsure, it's always better to be on the side of caution and schedule a consultation. Early detection can save lives!

Reducing your risk of heart disease involves making healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some key steps you can take:

• Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits and veggies
• Exercise regularly
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Monitor and control your blood pressure
• Manage stress

By adopting these habits and staying on top of regular health screenings, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.