Heart Attack Specialist

SWICFT Cardiology

Cardiology located in Naples, FL, Bonita Springs, FL, & Marco Island, FL

If you think you or someone else may be having a heart attack, call 911 immediately. Do not drive yourself or wait for an office appointment. SWICFT Cardiology serves Southwest Florida with ongoing care to reduce cardiovascular risk and support recovery after emergency treatment. Call the office for prevention or follow-up care.

239-261-2000

Heart Attack Q & A

What is a heart attack?

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of the heart muscle is suddenly reduced or blocked, causing injury to the muscle. A common cause is a blood clot that forms when plaque inside a coronary artery breaks open. Prompt emergency treatment can limit heart damage and save your life.

Call 911 immediately for possible heart attack symptoms, even if you are unsure. Do not drive yourself or wait for an office appointment.

What are the symptoms of a heart attack?

Symptoms can begin suddenly or gradually and may come and go. Warning signs include:

Chest pressure, squeezing, fullness, pain, or tightness
Discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen
Shortness of breath, with or without chest discomfort
Cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness, or unusual fatigue

Not everyone has severe chest pain. Do not wait for every symptom to appear before calling 911.

What increases my risk of a heart attack?

Risk factors include tobacco use, high LDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, physical inactivity, and excess weight. Age, family history, and some inflammatory conditions also affect risk. Your cardiologist considers these factors together to recommend a prevention plan.

Heart-healthy eating, regular activity appropriate for your condition, avoiding tobacco, and taking prescribed medicines can help lower risk. Even people with healthy habits may need treatment for inherited or other risk factors.

How is a heart attack diagnosed?

A suspected heart attack requires immediate assessment by emergency medical services and a hospital team. An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and blood tests, including cardiac troponin, help identify heart muscle injury. Additional imaging or coronary angiography may be needed.

After emergency treatment, SWICFT Cardiology reviews your hospital records, heart function, symptoms, and medications to plan follow-up care.

What treatment may I need after a heart attack?

Your recovery plan depends on the type of heart attack, the treatment you received, and your overall health. Your care team may recommend:

Medications

Medicines can help prevent clots, lower cholesterol, control blood pressure, and protect heart function. Take them as prescribed and discuss side effects with your care team. Do not stop antiplatelet medicines after a coronary stent without instructions from your cardiologist.

Procedures and surgery

Some patients need angioplasty with stent placement or coronary artery bypass surgery to restore blood flow. Your hospital and cardiology teams explain which treatment is appropriate and how it affects recovery.

Cardiac rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program that combines exercise, education about heart health, and support for recovery. Ask your cardiologist about a referral and when you can safely return to exercise, work, and other activities.

Ongoing prevention

Follow-up visits help your team monitor symptoms, adjust medicines, and manage cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, and other risks. Together, you can build a practical plan for nutrition, activity, tobacco cessation, and emotional well-being.

For prevention or follow-up care, call SWICFT Cardiology at 239-261-2000. For possible heart attack symptoms, call 911.