|
Lakewood, NJ ---- Approximately 1.5 million heart attacks occur each year in the United States resulting in 500,000 deaths. Fifty percent of these deaths occur within one hour of the onset of a heart attack, outside of a hospital. Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of a heart attack and getting to a hospital for medical care as quickly as possible can help save your life.
According to Moshe Bacharach, MD, Chief of Cardiology at Kimball Medical Center, there are some signs to look for which can prevent the onset of a heart attack. “Many people mistakenly believe that a heart attack is sudden and occurs without warning signs,” he explains. “Most heart attacks do have some warning signs,” says Dr. Bacharach. According to Dr. Bacharach, the most prevalent symptoms and warning signs of a heart attack include the following:
- Chest discomfort or pain. The discomfort most commonly appears in the center of the chest and lasts for longer than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort may feel more like pressure, heaviness or tightness in the chest.
- Other areas of discomfort or pain. Many patients report feeling pain or tightness in their throat, or feel dull or sharp pain in their jaw, arms or upper back.
- Shortness of breath. A new onset of shortness of breath with exertion, that may or may not be accompanied by chest pain.
- Indigestion: Intense indigestion which occurs following exertion for over 15 minutes requires prompt medical attention.
- Other symptoms: The above symptoms may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sweats.
With both men and women, the most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. However, women are more likely to experience some of the other common symptoms, such as shortness of breath.
“It is important to note that many of these signs and symptoms can mimic angina or a problem with the heart, but may not have anything to do with a cardiac issue,” says Dr. Bacharach. “If you experience any of these symptoms, you should be evaluated as quickly as possible by a doctor to rule out a problem with your heart,” he said.
“However, if you do think you are having a heart attack, you need to get to a hospital as quickly as possible,” says Dr. Bacharach. “Time is of the essence. With every passing minute, more damage is being done to the heart,” he explains. “Dial 9-1-1 and seek immediate medical help.”
Kimball Medical Center ranks among the top 10 percent of hospitals in New Jersey for heart attack care, and among the very best in the country, according to National Hospital Quality Measures.
Medical experts agree that there are several things you can do throughout your life to prevent heart attacks. Among those include exercising, eating healthy, quitting smoking and proper control of hypertension, cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels for diabetics. “These factors can improve your overall health and your heart health,” Dr. Bacharach says.
For those individuals experiencing symptoms such as recurring chest discomfort, those with a family history of heart disease, unexplained shortness of breath or a disturbance in the rhythm of your heartbeat (palpitations), a medical evaluation with a cardiologist is in order.
Cardiologists are highly trained heart specialists who can diagnose and treat heart disease. By using a combination both simple blood tests and complex medical testing, such as stress tests, electrocardiograms and CT testing, cardiologists are able to see if the heart is pumping and valves are functioning properly; identify blockages in blood vessels; and evaluate your overall heart health.
To call or schedule an appointment with Dr. Bacharach in his Lakewood office or his new Howell office located on Kent Road, or another cardiologist on staff at Kimball Medical Center, please call the Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-724-7123.
Date: December 9, 2008
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
[ top ] [ Back
to News Index ] |
|
|
