Heart Attack Care
Know the signs of a heart attack and get fast, life-saving care from VHC Health’s expert team in Arlington, VA, and the DC Metro area, when every second counts.
Signs of a Heart Attack
Call 911 immediately if you experience:
- Chest pain, pressure, or tightness that may spread to the jaw, neck, chest, back, or arms
- Nausea or vomiting
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sweating
- Heartburn
Symptoms may differ in women. Some experience unusual fatigue, indigestion-like discomfort, or shortness of breath without severe chest pain.
What's a Heart Attack?
A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when blood flow to part of your heart is blocked. This blockage usually results from a blood clot forming ina narrowed coronary artery. The heart muscle weakens without oxygen-rich blood. Fast heart attack care restores circulation and limits permanent injury.
Heart Attack Risk Factors
Understanding and managing your risk factors helps reduce future cardiac events. Major risk factors include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Family history of heart disease
- Sedentary lifestyle
Your Ambulance Ride
Because every minute counts, the emergency medical services (EMS) team in your ambulance will call ahead to notify the hospital staff to prepare for you.
Rapid Diagnosis
When you arrive at the emergency department, expect fast diagnostic tests to determine if you’re having a heart attack. You’ll receive an electrocardiogram, or EKG, which measures your heart’s electrical activity and can confirm damage from a heart attack.
Fast, Effective Treatments
Feel peace of mind knowing you can receive specialized heart attack care at VHC Health, rather than having to transfer to a different facility. To quickly treat a blockage causing a heart attack, you may receive:
Follow-Up Care
Your recovery begins immediately after emergency treatment. Strengthen your heart and reduce the risk of another heart attack with cardiac rehabilitation. Rely on your cardiologist to build a custom heart health plan that may include:
