Heart Attack Specialist
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SWICFT Cardiology
Cardiology located in Naples, FL, Bonita Springs, FL, & Marco Island, FL
If you have signs of a heart attack, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately. At SWICFT Cardiology, serving Southwest Florida with locations in Naples, Bonita Springs, and Marco Island, Florida, board-certified cardiologist James Talano, MD, MM, FACC, and his staff offer treatments that reduce your risk of a heart attack or help you recover from one. Call the office to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.
Heart Attack Q & A
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack happens when blood flow to your heart gets reduced or blocked. It might occur because of the buildup of fats in blood vessel walls. A heart attack can destroy or damage parts of your heart, and it’s deadly in some instances. Call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room if you or a loved one has symptoms of a heart attack.
What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
Common signs and symptoms of a heart attack include:
- Chest tightness
- Chest pressure
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Abdominal pain
- Shortness of breath
- Squeezing or aching in your chest
- Arm, neck, jaw, or back discomfort
- Fatigue
- Cold sweats
- Lightheadedness
- Dizziness
Complications that can occur because of a heart attack include abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, and even death.
What are the risk factors for a heart attack?
Heart attacks can happen to anyone, but factors that increase your risk include:
- Tobacco use
- Older age
- Family history of heart attacks
- High cholesterol
- High triglycerides
- High blood pressure
- Weight challenges
- Diabetes
- Ongoing stress
- Lack of physical activity
- Drug use
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
The best way to reduce your chance of having a heart attack is to adopt healthy habits. Maintain an ideal body weight, eat nutritious foods, get regular exercise, don’t smoke, and keep stress levels low.
How does my doctor diagnose a heart attack?
To find out if you’re having or have had a heart attack, providers at SWICFT Cardiology review your symptoms and medical history. They check your pulse, blood pressure, vital signs, and complete a physical exam.
The heart specialists could recommend undergoing an electrocardiogram (EKG), blood testing, an echocardiogram, chest X-rays, coronary catheterization, or an MRI or CT scan.
What is the treatment after a heart attack?
Providers at SWICFT Cardiology tailor each treatment for a heart attack based on the severity of your condition and the type of heart damage. They could suggest:
Lifestyle changes
Adopting healthy habits is the best way to maximize heart health and reduce the risk of future problems.
Medications
Taking medications can help you recover from a heart attack and reduce the risk of complications, including future heart attacks.
Medical procedures
You might need a medical procedure, such as coronary angioplasty and stenting or coronary artery bypass surgery.
Cardiac rehabilitation
Cardiac rehabilitation consists of lifestyle changes that enable you to gradually return to normal activities with a low risk of complications.
If you’ve had a heart attack or you’re at risk of having one, call the SWICFT Cardiology office or use the online scheduler today. Call 911 if you think you’re having a heart attack.
