Heart Attack Specialist

Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack, which means certain areas of the heart aren’t getting any oxygen-rich blood. Without prompt care, a heart attack can cause permanent heart damage. At Heart, Artery, and Vein Center in Fresno and Madera, California, board-certified cardiovascular disease physician Sanjay Srivatsa, MD, and the team provide compassionate care for people following a heart attack. To find out more about heart attacks, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today. 

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when you have a blockage in one or more of the arteries that deliver oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle. Without oxygen, the heart muscle dies. 

The blockage may occur from the buildup of plaque along the wall of coronary arteries, a condition known as coronary artery disease (CAD). This is the most common cause of a heart attack. Or, a blood clot may form and block blood flow through the artery. 

Many chronic health conditions increase your risk of heart attack, such as hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. Many of these conditions also put you at risk of stroke, which is when your brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. 

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Chest pain is one of the primary symptoms of a heart attack. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) if you have sudden, unexplained chest pain. Early treatment may prevent severe heart damage.

Other concerning symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or fainting
• Chest pain that radiates into the left shoulder, neck, or jaw
• Crushing chest pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting

You can have a heart attack without any previous signs or symptoms. However, if you have chest pain during exercise, you should schedule an appointment at Heart, Artery, and Vein Center.

This type of chest pain is called angina and occurs when your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen. The team can perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your chest pain and provide treatment that might prevent a heart attack.

What happens after a heart attack?

Heart, Artery, and Vein Center provides compassionate care for patients following a heart attack. They take a whole-body approach to healing, creating personalized plans to best meet your needs.

During your initial evaluation, your cardiovascular disease specialist asks detailed questions about your medical history and performs a physical exam. They may also request diagnostic tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or an echocardiogram, to assess heart health and determine the degree of heart damage. 

Once they gather all the diagnostic data, the team creates your therapeutic plan, which might include:

• Heart-healthy diet
• Exercise program
• Medication for hypertension or hyperlipidemia
• Weight management
• Smoking cessation
• Stress management

The team schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor heart health and update your plan as needed. 

For dedicated care that focuses on healing your heart, call Heart, Artery, and Vein Center or book an appointment online today.