Dr. Tejwani is sitting across from a senior male patient in exam room. The two are shaking hands.

Award-Winning Heart Attack Treatment.

Heart Attack

When every moment counts

Novant Health is has been recognized by the American Heart Association for helping raise the standard for heart attack treatment. If you experience chest pain and other symptoms of a heart attack, always call 911 immediately.

Take the First Step

If you believe you are at risk for heart disease, it’s time to take the first step in improving your cardiac health. Visit your primary care provider to discuss your heart health to see if you need a referral to one of our heart specialists. If you do not have a primary care provider, follow the steps below to get started:

Step 1:
Visit your Primary
Care Provider

Step 2:
Discuss your
concerns

Step 3:
Your provider gives
a referral

Step 4:
Choose the right
specialist for you

Schedule a Primary Care Visit Find a Heart Specialist

Heart Attack Treatments

Immediate Medication

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)

This is a minimally invasive procedure in which a tiny balloon is inserted into your artery and inflated at the point of narrowing or blockage to restore normal blood flow. Your surgeon may also insert a stent, a fabric-covered, metal-mesh tube, to help keep the artery open after the procedure.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

Follow-Up Care

Cardiac Rehabilitation

A cardiac rehabilitation program is a uniquely designed set of therapies for heart attack recovery. The goal is to strengthen your heart, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, control diabetes and maintain a healthy weight. Techniques often include physical activity, diet and lifestyle changes, medication and mental health counseling.

Know the signs of a heart attack

The most common heart attack signs are:

Sensation in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and returns; often described as an uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain
Chest pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck or arms
Chest discomfort paired with light-headedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath

Less common heart attack signs include unusual chest, stomach or abdominal pain and any of the following without accompanying chest pain:

Heart palpitations, cold sweat or paleness
Nausea or dizziness
Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue

Call 911 immediately

Because a heart attack is a life-threatening event, knowing when to call 911 for chest pain is critical. If you suspect that you or someone you're with is having a heart attack, call 911 immediately.

Take action to help

While waiting for emergency help to arrive, there are steps you can take, including:

Check for responsiveness. This can be as simple as tapping the person's shoulder and shouting, "Are you okay?" Also, check to see if they're breathing.
Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). If you haven't completed CPR training, medical experts recommend that you avoid attempting rescue breathing and focus on chest compressions.
Use an automated external defibrillator (AED). If an AED is close at hand, use it immediately. Turn the device on and follow the step-by-step instructions.