1. Whom should I consult when I suspect of having symptoms of heart attack?

You should consult with a cardiologist.

2. What are the major risk factors for heart disease?

The major risk factors for heart disease are smoking, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, diabetes, age, gender, and heredity (including race).

3. Are women as prone to Heart Disease as men?

There is a myth that women are not as prone to heart disease as men. This is not true. Women account for nearly half of all heart attack deaths.

4. How do I differentiate an anginal pain from a pain caused by heart attack?

Angina is a recurring pain or discomfort in the chest that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood temporarily. A person may notice it during exertion, but is usually relieved within a few minutes by resting or by taking prescribed angina medicine. However, the symptoms of heart attack lasts longer and are not relieved by rest or pain medications.

5. What are various tests available to detect heart attacks?

Electrocardiograms, blood tests, coronary angiography, cardiac catheterization, echocardiogram, stress tests, and MSCT angiogram can all help in diagnosis of heart attack.

6. What are treatment options available to treat heart attack?

The treatment options include medications, angioplasty and stent placement, atherectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting. The choice of treatment will depend on the extent of the disease.

7. Once after having a heart attack and receiving treatment will I get another attack?

Having had a treatment for heart attack does not mean that you will never have another heart attack, but certain lifestyle modifications and preventive steps taken will help reduce the risk of another attack.

8. What are preventive measures that will help reduce the risk of heart attacks?

Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, limiting the intake of alcohol, having a balanced diet, regular exercise and treatment of underlying conditions that increase risk of heart attack with proper medications can all help in preventing heart attacks.