Cardiology

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked and one or more parts of the heart don’t get enough oxygen. Someone might have one or more of these common symptoms. When they start, they can be mild or come and go. Over time, the symptoms and pain become more intense. Stay alert and always pay attention to chest pressure. 
Learn the early signs and symptoms:

• Feeling of fullness 
• Pain that travels down one or both arms 
• Jaw pain 
• Excessive fatigue or weakness 
• Anxiety 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Back pain 
• Shortness of breath 
• Chest pressure, squeezing, aching or burning 

What are the risk factors? 

• Chest pain, pressure, burning, aching or tightness – it may come and go 
• A family history of cardiovascular disease 
• High blood pressure 
• Overweight or obese 
• Sedentary lifestyle 
• Using tobacco products 
• Metabolic disease, diabetes or other illnesses 
• For women, it can also include birth control pills, a history of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes or having a low birth weight baby

Our approach to early heart attack care 
CAMC wants you to know the signs, symptoms and risks of a heart attack, and how to respond if you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms.  

People with heart attack symptoms should be evaluated in an emergency department. CAMC’s doctors, nurses and staff in our emergency departments are trained to respond quickly to heart attack symptoms and provide the care they need. 

If you suspect that you or someone you know may be having a heart attack: 

• Call 911  
• Perform hands-only CPR 
• Find an deploy an automated external defibrillator (AED) 

CAMC offers basic life support training classes that are available to the public.  

What are atypical presentations of a heart attack? 

In an atypical presentation, the signs and symptoms are different. The patient may not complain about pain or pressure in the chest. Be alert for the following: 

• A sharp or “knife-like” pain that occurs with coughing or breathing 
• Pain that spreads above the jawbone or into the lower body 
• Difficult or labored breathing 

What is the difference in symptoms between men and women? 
Some heart attack symptoms can be different between men and women. Why does it matter? Women may be less likely to seek immediate medical care which can cause more damage to the heart. 

• Men normally feel pain and numbness in the left arm or side of chest, but in women, these symptoms may appear on the right side. 
• Women may feel completely exhausted, drained, dizzy or nauseous. 
• Women may feel upper back pain that travels up into their jaw. 
• Women may think their stomach pain is the flu, heartburn or an ulcer.

Heart disease doesn’t always come with warning signs – but your risk can be measured. In just one visit, you’ll get a clearer picture of your heart health – and what to do next. Our heart risk assessment uses trusted tools like:

• Framingham Risk Score 
• ASCVD Risk Calculator 
• Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring

Knowing your number can help you take action early. The Framingham Risk Score is one of the most widely used tools in cardiology. It looks at factors like: 

• Age
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol 
• Smoking status 

…and estimates your risk of developing heart disease.

Did you know your risk of heart attack and stroke can be calculated? The ASCVD Risk Calculator helps predict your likelihood of a cardiovascular event – before it happens. This means:

• Earlier intervention
• Personalized care
• Better outcomes

Do you know your heart disease risk?
Most people don’t – and that’s the problem. Heart disease often develops silently. A simple assessment can give you answers and a plan.

My risk is higher than I thought. 
A heart risk assessment can uncover what you can’t feel. Our team uses advanced tools and expert guidance to help you understand your risk – and reduce it.

Don’t wait for symptoms
Heart disease is often preventable – when you know your risk. 

• Quick assessment 
• Personalized results
• Trusted clinical tools

Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere and to anyone. Being prepared means you can make a difference for a friend, family member or even a stranger. Hands-only CPR is a simple skill that anyone can use to help keep blood flowing until professional help arrives.
If someone collapses and isn’t breathing normally:

• Check for responsiveness
• Call 9-1-1 immediately.  Get an AED if available.
• Push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest. Place your other hand on top and interlace your fingers. No mouth-to-mouth needed, just strong, steady compressions. Push down hard at least 2 inches deep and release fully. Do this 100-120 times per minute.
• Keep going until help arrives or the person starts breathing normally.