Heart Attack

Heart attacks occur most often as a result of a condition called coronary artery disease. During a heart attack, a blood clot blocks the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart creating an arrhythmia (abnormal heart beat) that causes a decrease in the pumping function of the heart. If not treated quickly, the heart muscle begins to die. The result may be death or severe, long-lasting problems.
Browse Providers
For all requests:
1-800-777-8442

Warning signs for a heart attack include:

  • Discomfort, pain or pressure in the chest, arms (especially the left arm), back, neck , jaw or stomach
  • Feeling of heartburn
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath, weakness, or anxiety

Treatment is most effective within the first 60 minutes. Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of a heart attack.

Our Care Team

Agustin Aguilar, MD portrait

Agustin
Aguilar
MD

  • Emergency Medicine
Azeemuddin Ahmed, MD, MBA portrait

Azeemuddin
Ahmed
MD, MBA

  • Emergency Medicine
Olivia Bailey, MD portrait

Olivia
Bailey
MD

  • Emergency Medicine
Carlyn M. Christensen-Szalanski, MD portrait

Carlyn M.
Christensen-Szalanski
MD

  • Emergency Medicine
Mark Graber, MD, MSHCE, FACEP portrait

Mark
Graber
MD, MSHCE, FACEP

  • Emergency Medicine
Hans R. House, MD portrait

Hans R.
House
MD

  • Emergency Medicine
Dana King, MD portrait

Dana
King
MD

  • Emergency Medicine
Sarah Miller, MD portrait

Sarah
Miller
MD

  • Emergency Medicine
Andrew Nugent, MD portrait

Andrew
Nugent
MD

  • Emergency Medicine
Bobby Peters, MD portrait

Bobby
Peters
MD

  • Emergency Medicine
Matthew Spragg, DO portrait

Matthew
Spragg
DO

  • Emergency Medicine
Michael Takacs, MD portrait

Michael
Takacs
MD

  • Emergency Medicine
Timothy W. Thomsen, MD portrait

Timothy W.
Thomsen
MD

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
4.81 out of 5 (567 ratings)
Paul Van Heukelom, MD portrait

Paul
Van Heukelom
MD

  • Emergency Medicine
Jon Van Heukelom, MD portrait

Jon
Van Heukelom
MD

  • Emergency Medicine
Nicholas M. Mohr, MD portrait

Nicholas M.
Mohr
MD

  • Anesthesia
  • Emergency Medicine
David Walz, PA-C portrait

David
Walz
PA-C

  • Emergency Medicine

Not sure which Heart Attack provider is right for you?

When you call 1-800-777-8442 we'll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
Call 1-800-777-8442

Locations and Offices

Emergency Department
1 Roy J. Carver Pavilion (RCP)
Level 1, Elevator E
1-319-356-2233
Emergency Room
Emergency Room Entrance at UI Hospitals & Clinics
In Medical Center
200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
Clinical Trials currently in progress
Browse all clinical trials in progress

Related Health Topics

Understanding the link between depression and heart disease
July 2, 2016
Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Heart Failure
Risk factors for heart disease: Frequently asked questions
July 2, 2016
Heart disease is potentially reversible by attending to risk factors like cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking.

Awards and Recognition

Top heart attack program in U.S.
Our heart attack program is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best places in the country for patient care. Only the best hospitals nationally receive this rating based on patient survival, patient recovery, and more.
Chest Pain MI Registry Award
Heart attack care platinum performance achievement award
The National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) named University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Downtown one of the nation’s top performing hospitals for treatment of heart attack patients. This award shows our commitment to a higher level of care for heart attack patients.