Heart Attack Warning Signs a Cardiologist Says to Never Ignore

What are the warning signs of a heart attack? Can a stent prevent another one? And what can you do today to protect your heart? In the first episode of Ask the Cardiologist, Dr. Osman Yousafzai sits down with Dr. Elie Gharib, Division Chief and Medical Director of Cardiovascular Services at Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC), to discuss what everyone should know about heart disease, stents, and prevention. They break down why heart disease remains a major health concern in West Virginia, how cardiovascular disease can begin developing at a young age, and what stents actually do. They also explain the difference between treating stable heart disease and responding to a heart attack, along with the steps you can take to reduce your risk. In this episode: Why heart disease remains a major health concern in West Virginia How regional risk factors, including smoking, diet, and obesity, affect cardiovascular health Why heart disease can begin developing at a young age What heart stents actually do and when they are needed Whether stents prevent future heart attacks in patients with stable heart disease Classic and less obvious heart attack warning signs, including extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, and jaw pain How coronary CT angiography (CTA) can help detect heart disease earlier The importance of prevention, education, and managing cardiovascular risk factors What cardiologists want patients to know about protecting their heart health Chapters 00:00 Introduction & Guest Welcome 00:46 Heart Disease in West Virginia & Regional Risk Factors 04:25 Are Heart Disease Patients Getting Younger? 05:39 What Is a Stent For? Symptom Relief vs. Emergencies 07:44 Do Stents Prevent Future Heart Attacks in Stable Patients? 10:29 What Does a Heart Attack Actually Feel Like? 11:30 Patient Awareness & Early Detection with CTAs 12:27 The Most Important Step: Education & Prevention 14:03 Final Advice: What Cardiologists Wish Patients Knew Sooner The key takeaway: Prevention matters. Understanding your risk factors, working with your healthcare team to manage them, and recognising heart attack warning signs early can make a real difference. Subscribe for more episodes of Ask the Cardiologist, where Dr. Osman speaks with cardiovascular specialists to make heart health easier to understand. More heart health education: doctorosmanmd.com Instagram: @doctorosmanmd Medical disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace an individual assessment or consultation with your own healthcare professional. If you think you may be having a heart attack, call emergency services immediately. #AskTheCardiologist #HeartHealth #HeartDisease