Having a heart attack places you at risk for serious medical issues, including worsening heart disease. As a top-ranked cardiologist in Bellmore, NY, Wantagh, NY, and the surrounding region, Dr. David Hersh is skilled in helping patients at Heart Health of the South Shore prevent heart attacks and stay healthy after an attack has occurred.
Heart attacks occur when the heart does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood to function properly. Most heart attacks occur when the arteries that supply the heart with blood (the coronary arteries) are narrowed or blocked by a buildup of sticky plaques that form on the artery walls when cholesterol levels are too high. These plaques cause the arteries to become narrow and stiff, interfering with normal blood flow to the heart. Less often, a heart attack can occur when the arteries “spasm,” a condition called Prinzmetal angina. Several risk factors have been identified that make a person more likely to have a heart attack, including:
Heart attacks can cause many different symptoms, and these symptoms can vary from one person to another and especially between men and women. Pain in the chest and left arm are considered the most common symptoms of heart attacks, but some people may not have these symptoms at all. Other symptoms include:
Knowing your risk factors is an important part of preventing heart attacks and heart disease. Having routine preventive cardiology care ensures patients get the health screenings they need to identify risk factors so they can be treated. Quitting smoking, losing excess weight and eating a healthier diet are also important.
That depends on the cause and severity of the attack. When coronary arteries are blocked, they may be treated with a minimally-invasive procedure called angioplasty which helps open clogged arteries by compressing plaques and by deploying a tiny mesh framework or scaffolding called a stent. Other patients may need open heart surgery to replace damaged arteries with arterial grafts commonly taken from the patient’s leg.
Insurance
Dr. Hersh accepts most major insurance. If you have any questions about your eligibility or coverage, please call our office. We are happy to help you.