It’s a fact: the average person with heart attack symptoms waits more than two hours before going to an emergency room! And, too many people head to the hospital in a car instead of calling 911. In fact, only 36 percent of people with heart attack symptoms came to our hospital in an ambulance last year.
Know the signs
Signs of a heart attack can differ between men and women, but general symptoms include:
- Chest pressure and ache
- Possible radiating of pain to arms or jaw and occasionally a sore throat
Symptoms in Women
- Light-headed or dizzy
Symptoms in Men
- Chest pain often lasting several minutes that can radiate to arms, jaw, or back
- Shortness of breath
Don't wait to seek medical attention!
It is common for people to wait too long to be seen by a medical professional. Often this is because they don’t recognize the symptoms as being a possible heart attack. Patients that come to our emergency room with chest pain will be seen by medical staff immediately to check for signs of a heart attack. We will discuss your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and run tests like an electrocardiogram and blood tests. Using this information, our staff will determine whether immediate treatment is necessary or if it can be handled on an outpatient basis by your primary care doctor.
Learn Hands–Only CPR
With only two easy steps, Hands–Only CPR can more than double a person’s chances of survival following a sudden cardiac arrest. This easier–to–remember method is an effective option for people who are untrained in conventional CPR, which includes rescue breathing.
When heart attacks are treated quickly, heart muscle and lives are saved. So, learn the symptoms, practice CPR, and remember to call 911 if you think someone is having a heart attack!