Don’t Ignore Your Heart Symptoms
Every Minute Counts!
By Annette Pinder


COVID-19 has caused people to fear going to the hospital, even when it appears that they may be experiencing an emergency. Vijay Iyer, MD, who specializes in structural heart interventions at Great Lakes Cardiovascula, says, “Even when hospitals cancel or postpone elective surgeries, people cannot ignore serious symptoms or think that doctors are too busy to care for them.”

“Every minute counts when it comes to serious problems such as blocked blood flow to the heart or an abnormal heartbeat. A heart attack can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle within 30 minutes. Delaying help can result in serious problems, including death. Certain heart symptoms may also indicate a SARS-CoV-2 infection, which can damage the heart muscle or cause blood clots,” explains Dr. Iyer.

“Call 911 if you are experiencing chest tightness, a squeezing sensation, pain, or pressure in the chest that doesn’t go away after a few minutes or stops and returns; pain or discomfort in the arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach; shortness of breath; lightheadedness, nausea, or a cold sweat. Even if you are not sure, it is better to be safe than sorry,” says Dr. Iyer. It is also important to maintain routine follow-up appointments. Both cardiologists and primary care physicians offer telemedicine, allowing patients to meet with their doctors remotely by tablet, computer or phone, rather than in person.

An interventional cardiologist at Great Lakes Cardiovascular, Dr. Iyer is also Chief of Cardiovascular Medicine at UB Jacobs School of Medicine, an assistant professor, and Director of Structural Heart Interventions at Kaleida Health. To make an appointment with Dr. Iyer call 716-710-8266. Visit www.greatlakescardiovascular.com and watch his video at https://youtu.be/9olQKKFer9I