A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when an area of heart muscle dies or is permanently damaged due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to that area.
Note: If it is believed that you or someone you love is having a heart attack, please call 9-1-1 immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
Symptoms
- Chest pain or other pain, which radiates from the chest to the arms or shoulder; neck, teeth, or jaw; abdomen or back. The pain can be intense and severe or quite subtle and confusing and can feel like:
- Squeezing or heavy pressure
- A tight band on the chest
- An elephant sitting on your chest
- Bad indigestion
- Anxiety
- Cough
- Fainting
- Feeling of impending doom
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating, which may be profuse
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when an area of heart muscle dies or is permanently damaged due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to that area.
Diagnostic Tools
- Angiography
- ECG
- Echocardiogram
- Stress Test
Treatment Options
Both medication and surgery are options for treating heart attack patients.
- ACE Inhibitors
- Beta Blockers
- Thrombolytic Therapy (drugs used to break up or dissolve blood clots)
- Angioplasty or Coronary Artery Stenting
- Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery (CABG)
- Learn more about our doctors that treat heart attacks.
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
7503 Surratts Road
Clinton, Maryland 20735
[Get Directions]
Phone: 301-877-4367
MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center partners with MedStar Heart & Vascular Institute, a national leader in research, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
