Chest Pain? Call 911 Immediately

Although chest pain can sometimes be triggered by some non-threatening disorders like excessive gas, anxiety, acid reflux or muscle strains, you cannot afford to waste precious time, if chest pain occurs.

Chest pain can be related to the following serious complications, a rupture of the aorta, angina, or myocardial infarction (heart attack).

The majority of patients in the emergency room with chest pain are most likely having a heart attack, and the proper testing is done immediately upon your arrival.  The medical staff knows that in these situations, minutes can make a huge difference in your survival rate and can help to prevent the percentage of damage to your heart if diagnosis and treatment are performed early.

If you have chest pain, call 911!  Do not delay in calling for help.  The seconds you waste can be the difference between life and death.

The most common signs of a heart attack are:
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Lightheaded/fainting
• Chest tightness
• Sensations of squeezing, pressure or fullness in the chest
• Shoulder pain
• Neck pain
• Arm numbness
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating
• Nausea

In some cases, approximately 35% of the population suffering from a heart attack will not have any chest pain. This is usually the case for most women, compared to men.  Women tend to experience excessive fatigue and neck pain when having heart problems.

The most advanced technology can diagnosis the area in the heart that is affected by the blockage through both non-invasive and invasive procedures.  Diagnostic angiograms and PET scans can determine exactly where the treatment needs to be placed. You may be diagnosed with a complete blockage (STEMI) or a partial blockage (NSTEMI).

Treatment options are:
• Clot-dissolving medications
• Stents
• Drug-Eluted stents
• Balloon Angioplasty
• Coronary artery bypass grafting

Ways to help prevent a heart attack, or other heart disorders:
• Exercise multiple times per week
• Eat a healthy diet
• Cut down on stress levels
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• Stop smoking
• Get professional help for cutting out narcotics and other drugs
• Practice relaxation methods
• Get physical examinations and regular checkups recommendations

Dr. Joseph Freedman MD, MBA

Dr. Freedman brings many years of experience as a cutting edge cardiologist specializing in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all cardiac disease. He trained at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic, continually ranked #1 in Cardiovascular Care, where he focused on cardiac imaging. He achieved five board certifications in Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Comprehensive Adult ECHO, Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac CT. During his tenure as the lead noninvasive cardiologist at Florida Medical Center in Ft. Lauderdale, he helped lead the hospital to achieve Level 5 chest pain certification, the highest designation of cardiac excellence.

Please call Dr. Freedman’s Office at
(239) 574-8463 to make your appointment today.

3208 Chiquita Blvd S., Suite 110
Cape Coral, FL 33914

(239) 574-8463
www.flccg.com