Show Your Heart Some Love: A Discussion with Dr. Awan

Heart health is the cornerstone of a vibrant and lively lifestyle. In this Live and On Call episode, Dr. Ahmad Awan, an interventional cardiologist at LCMHS, unveils insights on how to boost your heart health and ward off cardiovascular disease.  

What happens during a heart attack?  

Dr. Awan emphasizes that poor heart health can lead to plaque build-up in the arteries. This build-up narrows the arteries that supply blood to the heart, reducing blood flow. Plaque forms when cholesterol, fat, and other substances in the blood cling to the walls of the arteries. 

This condition is called atherosclerosis. When plaque accumulates, it can significantly reduce blood supply to the heart, potentially resulting in a heart attack. If the plaque ruptures, it can create a blood clot in the coronary artery, blocking blood flow entirely and cutting off the supply of oxygen, which also affects other parts of the body. 

Several factors can contribute to plaque build-up in the heart, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, lack of physical activity, family history, chronic stress, and an unhealthy diet high in saturated and trans fats, processed foods, and sugar. 

Dr. Awan explains, "When someone is told they are having a heart attack, it doesn't always mean the heart is stopping immediately. However, the heart is undergoing significant damage. While it may still be beating, blockages can lead to cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops completely, which is a very serious condition. We do everything we can to prevent that." 

Can this condition be treated?  

Dr. Awan is an interventional cardiologist trained to perform minimally invasive procedures that address cardiovascular issues before heart attacks occur. In the cath lab, Memorial's expert team uses catheters inserted into blood vessels to access the heart. This technique allows them to restore blood flow to the heart by performing procedures such as angioplasty, stent placement, and valve repair. 

"All arteries are connected," said Dr. Awan. "Using the catheter, we can enter through the patient's wrist or groin and navigate all the way to their heart to locate the blockage. We then open up the blockage, which addresses a major part of the problem for our patients. For further treatment, we also recommend medications and lifestyle changes." 

Who can have a heart attack?  

In Dr. Awan's experience, heart attacks can happen to anyone, regardless of age. While many people think heart attacks mainly occur in older individuals, he emphasizes that the symptoms can vary, but the underlying damage remains the same. 

Dr. Awan points out that early research on heart conditions primarily focused on white males, which means that women and other groups were often underrepresented. As a result, many women go undiagnosed because they may not exhibit the typical symptoms associated with heart attacks. 

Women 

For women, chest pain isn't always the most obvious sign of a heart emergency. Other symptoms can include indigestion, anxiety, pain in the arm, back, or jaw, and cold sweats. A common but often overlooked symptom is dyspnea on exertion (DOE), which means feeling short of breath during physical activities like walking. This can feel like you're running out of air or not being able to catch your breath, often accompanied by feelings of panic or anxiety. 

Younger Adults 

Heart attacks can also occur in younger individuals. For younger patients, genetics and family health history—such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and previous heart attacks—can increase the risk. Dr. Awan mentions that he has treated patients in their thirties and knows colleagues who have worked with patients in their twenties who had significant blockages. 

Dr. Awan emphasizes the importance of preventative measures and stresses knowing your family's medical history, as this can play a crucial role in assessing your risk for heart attacks. "There are certain risk factors for heart attacks that you can't change," he explains. "These include your age, family history, and gender. It's vital to be aware of these factors and discuss them with your doctor." 

When should I seek treatment for a heart condition or potential heart attack?  

Heart conditions are serious issues that require medical attention. Dr. Awan emphasizes that what many people dismiss as a minor problem can actually have serious consequences. He encourages patients to trust their instincts if they feel something isn't right. 

"I always tell my patients to listen to their bodies," says Dr. Awan. "If something feels off, pay attention to it. It's better to take precautions than to regret it later." 

Dr. Awan advises people to seek medical care, even if they're unsure about their symptoms. 

"If it's just indigestion, that's a relief," he says, "but if it turns out to be a heart attack, getting to the hospital early can save your life." 

So, how can we prevent heart attacks or reduce the chances of having another one?  

"I'm a strong advocate for heart attack prevention," Dr. Awan shares. After a heart attack, following your doctor's guidance on medication is vital for recovery and lowering your risk of future heart problems.  

Regular wellness check-ups can help you keep track of your overall health. Monitoring your blood pressure and cholesterol levels is important, and addressing any issues early on is key. If you have diabetes, keeping your A1C levels under control and taking your medications as prescribed can significantly lower your heart attack risk. 

"While we can't change factors like family history or age," Dr. Awan explains, "we can manage and reduce some risks by treating high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and quitting smoking." 

Speaking of smoking, it's a major risk factor for heart attacks. The toxins in nicotine can harm the endothelium, the delicate cell layer that lines your heart's arteries. This layer is crucial for preventing harmful blood clots and regulating blood pressure. 

"Smoking increases your heart attack risk," Dr. Awan warns. "If you're a smoker, now is the time to quit." 

On the topic of diet, Dr. Awan advocates for a balanced approach to eating.  

"Incorporating more vegetables, choosing whole grains over refined ones, eating less meat, and cutting down on unhealthy fats can benefit your heart health," he suggests.  

By making these lifestyle changes, you can significantly improve your heart health and overall well-being. 

Prevention is Key  

By making wise choices today, you can safeguard your heart for a healthier future. Dr. Awan emphasizes that prevention is crucial in avoiding cardiovascular problems. By understanding your risk factors, leading a healthy lifestyle, and seeking medical attention if something feels wrong, you can reduce your risk of experiencing a serious heart attack.  

To learn more about Dr. Awan and the expert cardiology care team at Lake Charles Memorial Health System, click here >>>  

If you are looking to start your wellness journey today, primary care is an excellent place to start. For routine wellness visits, medication management and risk factor screenings, make an appointment with a primary care physician >>>  

To learn more about Dr. Awan, click here >>>  

To watch the full episode of Live and On Call with Dr. Awan and view other Live and On Call episodes, click here >>>