Survive A Heart Attack

with Paul Weisman, M.D., Advanced Healthcare

Posted: Aug. 1, 2004

Don't ignore the symptoms

One reason people wait before getting help is that they do not realize they are having a heart attack because their symptoms do not match the sudden crushing chest pain depicted in the movies - the so-called "Hollywood heart attack."

Only about half of the people who have a heart attack experience chest pain (angina) - a symptom of coronary artery disease. But there are other symptoms, called anginal equivalents, which also may indicate coronary artery disease.

Paul Weisman, M.D., Advanced Healthcare

"The sudden onset of chest pain or pressure radiating to the arm or jaw, associated with shortness of breath, may mean that you are having a heart attack and you should seek immediate medical attention," said Dr. Paul Weisman, cardiologist, with Advanced Healthcare.

In Wisconsin, a high percentage of sudden cardiac deaths have been attributed to the unexpected nature of heart attacks and the failure to recognize early symptoms of heart disease. Early recognition of symptoms can lead to early treatment that results in less heart damage and fewer deaths, Dr. Weisman said.

Pain associated with anginal equivalents may occur with activity or emotional stress and may subside with rest. If, for example, you experience shoulder pain every time you exercise or when you are emotionally upset, it could be an anginal equivalent.

Other symptoms may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness. Women often experience such warning signs along with mild chest pain, stomach or abdominal pain rather than the typical "crushing" chest pain.

"Women often mistakenly think they are exempt from heart disease. They are more worried about getting cancer which of course is a concern but, in fact, twice as many women die from cardiovascular disease than die from cancer," Dr. Weisman said.

See your doctor if you experience these types of symptoms, especially if you are at risk of coronary artery disease. Risk factors include smoking, being overweight or over age 65 and having a family history of coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

"There's more that can be done now than ever before to help prevent and treat heart problems. The new medical developments in the past decade have kept people out of the hospital and live longer with heart disease," Dr. Weisman said.

If you want to stay healthy; stop smoking, exercise more and lay off the morning pastries, he advises, and maintain a strong doctor-patient relationship based on the sharing of information.

"Through a combination of medical technology and a personal relationship with your doctor, even if you have severe heart disease, you can achieve a healthy, vigorous lifestyle" Dr. Weisman said.

We Have Answers Do you have medical questions or need help finding a doctor? The experts at Columbia St. Mary's and Advanced Healthcare can help. Click here.