Heart Attack
More than 800,000 Americans have a heart attack annually, and three-quarters of those are first heart attacks. You can take charge of your heart health by coming to Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine in Midtown Manhattan, for the best heart attack diagnosis, management and prevention with renowned New York cardiologist Mark Meyer, MD, FACP, FACC.
What Is a Heart Attack?
A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, is a life-threatening event that occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. Without an adequate blood supply, the affected portion of the heart muscle begins to die, leading to serious complications or death if not treated promptly.
In most cases, the underlying cause of a heart attack is a blockage in the coronary arteries due to a buildup of plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance composed of cholesterol, fatty deposits, calcium, and other cellular waste products. Over time, plaque can cause arteries to narrow — a condition known as atherosclerosis — and eventually become completely obstructed. Sometimes, plaque can rupture, triggering the formation of a blood clot that further blocks the artery and cuts off blood supply to the heart.
What are the Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
Heart attack symptoms can vary widely between individuals, ranging from mild to severe, and may develop suddenly or gradually. Some of the most common warning signs include chest pain or discomfort, which may feel like pressure, tightness, or a squeezing sensation. Pain can also radiate beyond the chest to areas such as the jaw, neck, back, or arms, particularly the left arm.
Additional symptoms often include shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, cold sweats, and overwhelming fatigue. It’s important to understand that not everyone will experience the classic signs; some individuals, especially women, older adults, and people with diabetes, may present with atypical symptoms. Regardless of the presentation, any signs of a potential heart attack require immediate medical attention, as rapid intervention can be life-saving.
Am I at Risk for a Heart Attack?
Certain health conditions and lifestyle factors can significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack. The three primary modifiable risk factors are high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol levels, and tobacco use. These issues are alarmingly prevalent, with about half of the American population affected by at least one of them.
Other factors contributing to heart attack risk include obesity, diabetes, an unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. While many of these risks can be managed or minimized through lifestyle changes and medical intervention, some risk factors are beyond an individual’s control. These include a family history of heart disease and advancing age — specifically, men aged 45 and older and women aged 55 and older face a heightened risk.
How To Prevent and Manage Heart Attacks?
Preventing a heart attack begins with understanding your personal risk profile. At Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine, Dr. Meyer provides comprehensive cardiovascular assessments, including diagnostic tools such as echocardiograms and exercise stress testing, to evaluate heart health and identify potential concerns early.
Based on your evaluation, Dr. Meyer can recommend personalized strategies to lower your risk. These may include adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and controlling underlying conditions like hypertension or diabetes. For individuals with a previous heart attack or high-risk medical conditions, medications may also play a critical role in prevention.
How Can Dr. Mark Meyer Help You with a Heart Attack?
At Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine, we deliver personalized, expert care tailored to the complexities of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular health. We champion early detection and precision management, blending advanced diagnostics with therapeutic strategies to preserve and enhance heart function. With a commitment to clinical excellence and individualized attention, our practice ensures that each patient receives the highest standard of medical care in an atmosphere of sophistication and trust.
Meet Dr. Mark Meyer
Mark L. Meyer, MD, FACP, FACC, is a board-certified physician and among the leading cardiologists and internists in New York. He is the founder of Madison Avenue Cardiovascular & Concierge Medicine in Midtown, Manhattan, serving patients throughout New York City. Dr. Meyer integrates different approaches to medicine to provide his patients expert and personalized care at every step of the health journey.
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