Martha Jefferson Monday: How do you Deal with a Heart Attack? - NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of Americans, so it is incredibly important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, and know what to do if you, or a friend or family member, ever experiences one.

A heart attack occurs when an artery in the heart is abruptly blocked. Blood flow to the heart muscle is stopped and emergency care becomes the number one priority.

"Martha Jefferson is equipped to take care of all patients with heart attacks, small or large," said Dr. Josh Fischer, medical director of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Martha Jefferson Hospital.

The first thing to remember is to call 911 if you suspect any symptoms.

"If you are having any chest discomfort whatsoever, it can radiate to the jaw, it can go through to the back, or down the left arm, any symptoms like that, don't delay," Dr. Fischer advised.

A team at Martha Jefferson is always available to get patients the care they need, and quickly.  

"One thing we've learned in treatment of heart attacks is the quicker you interrupt the heart attack, the quicker you get the blood flow back to the heart muscle, the smaller the heart attack and the better the patient does," said Dr. Fischer.

The national recommendation is that the patients have their artery un-blocked within 90 minutes of arriving at the hospital.  On average, patients at Martha Jefferson are treated in under an hour, and that number is always improving.

For more information on cardiovascular services at Martha Jefferson Hospital call Health Connection at (434) 654-7009. 

If you have a health question you'd like for us to answer, email us at healthquestions@nbc29.com.