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Heart Attack Specialist

Matthew Jones, MD -  - Interventional Cardiologist

BKLYNCardio

Matthew Jones, MD

Interventional Cardiologist located in Brooklyn, NY

Each year, about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. If you’re at risk of heart disease or have experienced heart issues previously, interventional cardiologist Matthew Jones, MD, at BKLYNCardio in Brooklyn, New York, can help. Dr. Jones and his team help prevent, diagnose, and treat heart conditions in a patient-centered, holistic, caring environment. To learn more, schedule an appointment with BKLYNCardio by phone or online today.

Heart Attack Q & A

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when blood flow to your heart is reduced or gets blocked. Blockages can result from the buildup of cholesterol, fat, and other substances that form plaque and clog arteries leading to the heart.

When blood flow to the heart is interrupted due to a heart attack, parts of your heart muscle can be damaged or destroyed. Heart attacks can be fatal, but getting medical treatment as soon as you first notice symptoms can drastically improve your chances of survival and a full recovery.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

If you’re experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, you might be having a heart attack:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
  • Squeezing or aching in your chest or arms
  • Pain in your arms, jaw, neck, back, or stomach
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Cold sweats
  • Heartburn
  • Abdominal pain
  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness

If you think you’re having a heart attack, immediately call 911 to seek medical attention as quickly as possible to avoid permanent heart damage or death.

How is a heart attack treated?

If you’ve had a heart attack, Dr. Jones may perform an electrocardiogram (EKG), stress test, blood tests, or diagnostic imaging tests to confirm your diagnosis.

At that point, Dr. Jones might recommend one or more of the following treatments:

  • Medications
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Dietary and exercise changes
  • Remote telehealth for heart disease management

You may require a minimally-invasive heart procedure to find and repair blocked arteries, or bypass surgery to help blood flow past blockages through newly-created veins and arteries.

How can I lower my risk of a heart attack?

Dr. Jones and the team at BKLYNCardio believe in holistic lifestyle remedies as a first line of defense for heart attack prevention. He might recommend the following strategies:

  • Eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Reduce consumption of saturated fat, added sugar, and sodium
  • Take evidence-based herbal supplements
  • Exercise regularly
  • Achieve or maintain a healthy body weight
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
  • Control blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar
  • Reduce stress
  • Get 7-9 hours of sleep each night

If you have heart disease, it’s important to schedule regular checkups with Dr. Jones so he can monitor your cholesterol, blood pressure, and other markers. Early detection and treatment is crucial if you’re at risk of having a heart attack.

When you’re ready to take control of your heart health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jones at BKLYNCardio by phone or online today.