Heart Attack Care
Know heart attack warning signs and follow some key advice from Mary Greeley Medical Center’s cardiovascular experts to protect your heart.
Signs of a Heart Attack
Most heart attacks have mild symptoms, which may cause some people to wait to seek help. Pay attention to these signs:
- Chest pain or pressure, or a strange feeling in the chest
- Sweating
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Pain, pressure, or a strange feeling in the back, neck, jaw, or upper belly, or in one or both shoulders or arms
- Lightheadedness or sudden weakness
- A fast or irregular heartbeat
For men and women, the most common symptom is chest pain or pressure. But women are somewhat more likely than men to have other symptoms like shortness
Many people describe the pain as discomfort, pressure, squeezing or heaviness in the chest. People often put their fist to their chest when they describe the pain. Your pain may spread down the left shoulder and arm and to other areas, such as the back, jaw, neck, or right arm.
What to Do If You Experience Heart Attack Symptoms
Time is crucial if you or a loved one have heart attack symptoms. Act quickly—within minutes: Call 9-1-1 or go to the Emergency Department immediately. After you call 911, the operator may tell you to chew one adult-strength or two to four low-dose aspirin. Wait for an ambulance. Do not try to drive yourself.
