Emergency Signs and Symptoms
Even if you have no risk factors or your risk factors are managed well, you may still have a heart attack. Many people think that heart attacks only happen suddenly, but the truth is that most start slow and may occur over a period of days. Even if you have had a heart attack in the past you could experience an entirely different set of symptoms the second time. That is why it is important to recognize the warning signs, which include:
Chest Discomfort
Many heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The discomfort can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain.
Discomfort in Other Areas of the Upper Body
Can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
Shortness of Breath
Often comes along with chest discomfort. But it also can occur before chest discomfort.
Other Symptoms
May include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea, or light-headedness.
Some people experience the "classic" chest pain syndrome associated with a heart attack. However, women are somewhat more likely than men to experience some of the other common symptoms, particularly shortness of breath, increasing fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, and/or back or jaw pain. Other people, particularly those with diabetes, may have no symptoms at all, or only a general feeling of tiredness. It is important to listen to your body because you may experience only one symptom, several of these symptoms, or none at all. If you are experiencing any type of discomfort, you should follow-up with your physician immediately or call 9-1-1 for severe symptoms. Acting in time can often prevent disability and death from a heart attack.
If you feel like you are having chest pain and/or shortness of breath and are unsure if you should go to the Emergency Department, please call the Tel-A-Nurse at (915) 569-4444.
This information has been modified by information obtained from the American Heart Association, 2006, U.S. Census Bureau, 2000, and the National Institute of Health, 2006.