Heart Attack

Every 40 seconds, a person in the United States experiences a heart attack. A heart attack is a life-threatening medical emergency that requires immediate care. At Heart and Vascular Care in Plano, Texas, board-certified cardiologist Bhupinder Singh, MD, has years of experience treating heart attacks and their effects. If you’re concerned about your risk of a heart attack, schedule an appointment. Call the office or book online today.

What is a heart attack?

Acute myocardial infarction, or a heart attack, occurs due to a sudden and complete loss of blood flow to your heart. When your heart doesn’t receive enough blood, tissue damage occurs. Without prompt treatment, this damage can result in death. 

The most common cause of heart attacks is a buildup of plaque in one or more of the coronary arteries. Plaque is a waxy substance that consists of fat, cholesterol, and cellular waste products.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Heart attacks affect men and women differently. Some of the most obvious indications include:

• Angina (chest pain)
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• An increased heart rate

You might also experience neck or jaw pain, pain that spreads into your back or shoulders, or flu-like symptoms. If you experience these or other similar issues, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room right away.

How is a heart attack diagnosed?

Diagnosing a heart attack usually occurs in an emergency room setting. However, as a cardiologist, Dr. Singh works with all of his patients to determine their risk. During your first appointment at Heart and Vascular Care, Dr. Singh conducts a physical exam and reviews your medical history. 

Next, he orders an electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood tests to gather information about the health of your heart. If you’ve experienced a heart attack in the past, your heart muscles don’t conduct electrical pulses normally. An ECG can detect a history of heart attacks, and guide your treatment plan. Blood tests look for the presence of enzymes that leak into your blood following heart damage. Like an ECG, these blood tests assist Dr. Singh in formulating your care.

How is a heart attack treated?

At Heart and Vascular Care, Dr. Singh offers several treatments for heart attacks, including:

Coronary stents

Coronary angioplasty and stenting is a type of cardiovascular surgery. During this operation, Dr. Signh runs a long, thin tube (catheter) from your thigh to a blocked artery in your heart. Once the catheter is in position, he inflates a small balloon on the end. The balloon opens up your blocked coronary artery. Next, Dr. Singh inserts a small mesh device called a stent into the artery. The stent holds your artery open, restoring blood flow to your heart.

Impella®

Impella is the world’s smallest heart pump. Dr. Singh inserts the Impella pump through a catheter, a long thin tube. Once placed, the Impella heart pump draws blood from the lower chamber of your heart and pumps it into your body so it reaches your other vital organs. If you’ve experienced a heart attack that weakened your heart or its function, you’re probably a good candidate for Impella.

If you’ve had a heart attack or you’re concerned about your risk, schedule an appointment at Heart and Vascular Care. Call the office or book online today.