Getting to the Heart of the Matter
In July 2010, Joanne developed symptoms of indigestion. "It was dull, but constant," she says. Then, one morning in August, Joanne woke up with indigestion that was even worse.She also had an achiness in both shoulders, but figured it was from hanging curtains earlier in the week.
When Joanne was running errands, she went to a walk-in medical clinic to see if she could get something stronger for the indigestion. A routine blood pressure test revealed that her blood pressure was extremely high. The doctor performed an electrocardiogram to find out more.
"The doctor told me he thought I was in the midst of a heart attack," Joanne says. "I looked at him in disbelief. A heart attack was the last thing on my mind."
Seamless, Coordinated Cardiac Care
An ambulance rushed Joanne to the Emergency Department at Riverview Medical Center. She underwent an echocardiogram — a sonogram of the heart. Dale Edlin, M.D., a cardiologist at Riverview Medical Center and part of Meridian CardioVascular Network, reviewed the results and gave Joanne the news: She had had a severe heart attack.
"It's not uncommon for patients —and women especially — to experience vague heart attack symptoms," says Julie Master, D.O., Joanne's cardiologist, who also works at Riverview. "You might have shortness of breath instead of chest pain, or indigestion or shoulder pain like Joanne experienced."
Joanne was transferred to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. She had an angioplasty that night. During the procedure, Maurice Weiss, M.D.,an interventional cardiologist at Jersey Shore, removed a blockage in a major artery and implanted a stent — a wire mesh tube — to keep the artery open. Joanne returned home the very next morning.
"I couldn't believe how efficient everything was," Joanne says. "Everyone, from the nurses to the doctors to the surgeons, made me feel so comfortable."
Taking Steps Toward a Healthier Future
Today, Joanne has made many lifestyle changes to prevent another heart attack. Although she was a smoker, she no longer smokes. She has also made exercise a regular part of her life and follows a healthier diet. Dr. Master recommends getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, five days per week and following a healthy diet that's rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat and salt.
"One of the most important things you can do to help prevent a heart attack is get a yearly physical," Dr. Master says. "This way, your health care provider can identify and treat risk factors you may not know you have, such as high blood pressure,diabetes, or high cholesterol."
Meet the Doctor
Julie Master, M.D.
Board certified in Cardiovascular Disease & Internal Medicine
Shrewsbury | 732-542-7600
