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Heart Attack Warning Signs

Heart Attack Warning Signs

If you experience ANY of the following, call 911.

Heavy chest pressure:
Squeezing or burning in your chest or fullness in your abdomen

Extreme discomfort or symptoms:
Light-headedness, nausea, unusual fatigue

Arm pain:
Feeling pain in one or both arms, back, neck, or jaw

Respiratory difficulties:
Shortness of breath with or without chest pain

Time to call 911 now:
Do not drive – call an ambulance

Knowing the signs of a heart attack can save your life. The most common symptom in men and women is chest pain or discomfort. Women are somewhat more likely to experience some of the less common symptoms of heart attack, including shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, unusual fatigue, and back or jaw pain.

Time is muscle! Every minute treatment for a heart attack is delayed, more heart muscle dies.

How to Act Quickly

  • Call 911 immediately. Clearly tell the dispatcher all the symptoms you’re experiencing and if you have any history of heart problems.
  • Chew one adult-strength (325 mg) tablet of uncoated aspirin.
  • If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin, take it.
  • Don’t drive yourself or have someone drive you. Paramedics are your best option – they can begin treatment in the ambulance, perform an ECG on the way to the hospital, and transmit results to the ER before you arrive.

Learn more about heart disease and stroke, including how to improve your cardiovascular health, at the American Heart Association’s website.

Learn more about Cardiology at St. Luke's
Go to Cardiology
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