A cardiologist is a physician who’s an expert in the care of your heart and blood vessels. They can treat or help you prevent a number of cardiovascular problems.

Heart attack refers to the death of heart muscle tissue, which is caused by a sudden blockage of the arteries. It is usually the formation of clots in the buildup of cholesterol called plaque. The most common side effects are chest, arm and neck pain. Current technology allows blocked arteries to be reopened to maintain heart muscle and heart function. It is therefore essential that you visit a doctor immediately after the onset of chest pain and related symptoms.

Symptoms of a heart attack include:

• Discomfort, pressure, heaviness, or pain in the chest, arms, or under the chest
• Feeling of discomfort that radiates to the back, neck, jaw, or arms
• A feeling of poor digestion or suffocation (may feel acidic)
• Sweating, nausea, vomiting or dizziness
• Extreme weakness, anxiety or shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
  During a heart attack, symptoms usually last 30 minutes or more and do not decrease with rest or taking medication. The first symptoms can appear as mild symptoms that cause considerable pain. It is more common in people with diabetes. If you feel you have a heart attack, do not wait immediately go to the hospital. Treating your heart attack right away is very important to reduce damage to your heart.

Nicotine in smoke can lead to:

• Less oxygen supply to the heart
• Higher blood pressure and heart rate
• More blood clotting
• Damage to cells that line coronary arteries and other blood vessels

Stress testing is a method by which your heart can be examined for the possibility of coronary artery blockage.
An exercise stress test helps determine how well your heart responds during times when it’s working its hardest.
It typically involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling on a stationary bike while hooked up to an EKG to monitor your heart’s activity.