The heart muscle requires a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrients to
function effectively. A heart attack typically occurs when blood flow to the
heart is obstructed, leading to potential damage or death of the heart
muscle. Immediate medical intervention is vital to preserve heart tissue and
save lives.
In the United States, over 800,000 individuals experience a heart attack
annually. Following an initial heart attack, the risk of subsequent events
increases significantly. Therefore, adherence to prescribed medications and the implementation of personalized nutrition and exercise regimens are critical. Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential, with a focus
on controlling blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels to mitigate
the risk of future heart attacks.
Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Heart attack symptoms can vary significantly between individuals and between
genders. Common signs include chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath,
and sensations of discomfort or tingling in the arms, back, neck, or jaw.
Additional symptoms may encompass heartburn, unusual fatigue, dizziness,
nausea, or cold sweats. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is
imperative to call emergency services immediately.
- Dr. Ahmed is Board Certified in several specialties, including Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Echocardiography, Nuclear Cardiology, Internal Medicine, and Vascular Ultrasound. He is currently accepting new patients at the BMC Cardiology Practice located at 501 Bath Road, Bristol.
- For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 215-785-5100.
Diagnosis and Testing
A heart attack diagnosis is based on an assessment of your symptoms, medical
history, and specific blood tests. Your physician may recommend an
electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate the heart's electrical activity and
identify any existing damage. Blood tests can detect certain proteins
released into the bloodstream following heart muscle injury.
Treatment Options
There are various treatment modalities for heart attacks. Timely
interventions aimed at restoring blood flow can prevent further damage to
the heart muscle. Treatment options may include:
• Oxygen Therapy: To enhance oxygen delivery to the heart.
• Aspirin and Anti-Platelet Therapies: To reduce blood clotting.
• Nitroglycerin: To improve blood flow through the coronary arteries.
• Pain Relief Medications: To alleviate discomfort.
• Anticoagulants: To prevent additional clot formation.
• Beta-Blockers: To decrease heart workload by lowering heart rate and blood
pressure.
Prevention Strategies
Preventive measures are paramount in reducing the risk of heart attacks. Key
strategies include:
• Adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Engaging in regular physical activity, with a goal of at least 150 minutes
of moderate exercise per week as recommended by the American Heart
Association.
• Avoiding tobacco use.
• Monitoring and controlling blood pressure and diabetes.
• Managing cholesterol levels.
• Reducing stress.
• Attending regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.
Life After a Heart Attack
Survivors of heart attacks face an increased risk of recurrent events. It is
crucial to recognize that symptoms of a second heart attack may differ from
those of the first. A comprehensive care plan, including consistent
medication adherence and participation in cardiac rehabilitation—a
supervised exercise program—can facilitate recovery and strengthen the
heart.
Dr. Ahmed is currently accepting new patients at the BMC Cardiology
Practice located at 501 Bath Road, Bristol. For more information or to
schedule an appointment, please call 215-785-5100.
About Shahzad Ahmed, MD, FACC, FSCAI, RPVI
Dr. Ahmed is Board Certified in several specialties, including
Interventional Cardiology, Cardiovascular Medicine, Echocardiography,
Nuclear Cardiology, Internal Medicine, and Vascular Ultrasound. In
recognition of his achievements, he received the esteemed Fellow of the
American College of Cardiology (FACC) award in 2019 and the Fellow of the
Society of Cardiovascular Interventions (FSCAI) award in 2020. He completed
his training in internal medicine, cardiovascular medicine, and
interventional cardiology at Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann
University Hospital in Philadelphia.
Currently, he serves as an Associate Professor of Cardiology at the
University of New England College of Medicine (UNECOM). Under his
leadership, Lower Bucks Hospital has launched numerous innovative
interventional programs, such as same-day discharge following percutaneous
coronary intervention, venous and pulmonary thrombectomy, carotid stenting,
and the adoption of a radial-first approach for cardiac catheterization.
Additionally, Dr. Ahmed established a prestigious Cardiology Fellowship
program at Lower Bucks Hospital.
