Heart Attack
Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants, LLC
Cardiology located in Beltsville, Bowie and Columbia, MD also servicing Laurel, Lanham, and Cheverly, MD
Cardiology located in Beltsville, MD & Columbia, MD
The experience of a heart attack can leave you both physically and emotionally drained. At Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants, LLC in Beltsville and Columbia, Maryland, board-certified cardiologist Ayim Djamson, MD, helps men and women recover from heart attacks and provides the support necessary to lead heart-healthy lifestyles. If you recently suffered a heart attack, you may feel overwhelmed about what comes next, but you’re not alone. To move forward, call or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.
Heart Attack Q & A
What is a heart attack?
A heart attack, also known as “myocardial infarction,” happens when the blood flow to your heart is blocked off, injuring the organ. When healthy, the coronary arteries surrounding your heart keep it up and running with a steady supply of blood, full of oxygen and nutrients.
Symptoms of a heart attack may include:
- Pressure or pain in your chest and upper body
- Trouble breathing
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Sudden cold sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
A heart attack is a medical emergency that requires urgent attention. If you think you’re having a heart attack, call 911. Dr. Djamson’s role at Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants, LLC is to help you recover following a heart attack and prevent them from happening again.
What causes heart attacks?
Heart attacks most often result from atherosclerosis, when a buildup of plaque, made of cholesterol, fat, and other substances, narrows coronary arteries and obstructs blood flow.
You may guess that heart attacks happen when enough plaque builds up to completely block an artery. However, the direct cause usually isn’t the plaque itself, but a blood clot that forms when plaque breaks inside a narrowed artery.
You’re more likely to develop atherosclerosis if you:
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Smoke cigarettes
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol
- Are diabetic
Many heart attacks come on suddenly, but often, there are warning signs. Many people experience chest pain (angina) that becomes worse with physical activity and gets better with rest. Angina is a sign of reduced blood flow to your heart.
How do I recover from a heart attack?
If you’ve had a heart attack, you may feel a range of difficult emotions, including fear, sadness, anger, and loneliness. This is normal, but know that you won’t feel this way forever, and Dr. Djamson is experienced in helping men and women feel better and return to their normal lives after a heart attack.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Djamson as soon as possible after returning from the hospital. When you meet with him, he may adjust your medication, including those for high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and create a plan for returning to work and to your other activities.
Dr. Djamson guides you on lifestyle changes you can make to stay healthy and prevent future heart attacks, including following a heart-healthy diet, exercising, managing your stress levels, reducing your alcohol intake, and quitting smoking.
To get back on the path to health after a heart attack, call or use the online booking tool today to schedule an appointment at Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants, LLC.