Quality Of Life

During a cardiac event, every second is critical. The sooner you recognize symptoms, the faster you can seek out lifesaving medical help to minimize the risk of complications and damage to the heart muscle.

Be aware that a heart attack may feel different for men and women.

For Men

A heart attack is often preceded by a feeling of physical exhaustion followed by what are known as “classic” symptoms:

• Discomfort in the center of the chest that may feel like pressure, squeezing or fullness that goes away and comes back
• Chest discomfort accompanied by fainting, lightheadedness, shortness of breath or nausea
• Pain that spreads to the neck, shoulders or arms

For Women

A heart attack may cause a feeling of emotional distress with a milder form of the “classic” symptoms as well as the following:

• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulty
• Back or jaw pain
• Nausea, vomiting or dizziness
• Palpitations, paleness or cold sweats
• Mild, flu-like symptoms
• Unexplained anxiety, fatigue or weakness

Cardiovascular Institute of Carolina at Aiken Regional

The Cardiovascular Institute of Carolina at Aiken Regional provides a range of services for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for cardiac events.

Prevention

• Wellness and education programs
• Aerobic and yoga classes
• CPR classes
• Support groups
• Diabetes education

Diagnostic

• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Cardiac catheterization
• Color doppler and transesophageal echocardiography
• Intravascular ultrasound
• 24-hour holter monitoring
• Nuclear medicine studies

Treatment

• Artherectomy for plaque removal
• ASD closure
• Coronary angioplasty
• Coronary artery bypass surgery
• Coronary stents
• EKOS^® system for DVTs
• Emergency services
• PFO closure for recurrent stroke
• Thrombolytic therapy

Rehabilitation

• Personalized cardiac rehab in partnership with the University of South Carolina at Aiken
• Programs designed to improve heart health through exercise and education on risk factor reduction