Heart Attack Symptoms and Warning Signs If you think you're having a heart attack, call 9-1-1 or your emergency medical system immediately. Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the "movie heart attack," where no one doubts what's happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren't sure what's wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
As with men, women's most common heart attack symptom is chest pain or discomfort. But women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, nausea/vomiting, and back or jaw pain. If you or someone you're with has chest discomfort, especially with one or more of the other signs, don't wait longer than a few minutes (no more than 5) before calling for help. Call 9-1-1... Get to a hospital right away. Calling 9-1-1 is almost always the fastest way to get lifesaving treatment. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. The staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. You'll also get treated faster in the hospital if you come by ambulance. If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away. If you're the one having symptoms, don't drive yourself, unless you have absolutely no other option. How do I know if a heart attack has occurred? A doctor who's studied the results of several tests must diagnose a heart attack. The doctor will
Blood tests confirm (or refute) suspicions raised in the early stages of evaluation that may occur in an emergency room, intensive care unit or urgent care setting. These tests are sometimes called heart damage markers or cardiac enzymes. Related AHA publications:
Related AHA Scientific Statements: See also: Angina Pectoris Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Cough CPR (c-CPR) Emergencies Heart Attack Heart Attack and Angina Statistics Heart Attack Treatments Heart Damage Detection Stroke Symptoms / Warning Signs |
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