At one time, people lived in fear of hearing the words “heart attack.” While cardiovascular health is still a priority, today more than 90 percent of patients survive a heart attack.
Greater understanding of the science behind heart attacks has led to more effective treatment. Nearly 50 percent of sudden cardiac deaths occur away from a hospital, so it’s crucial to seek emergency care immediately.
Signs of a Heart Attack
Seek prompt medical attention if you or a loved one experiences any of the following symptoms:
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Chest pain is the most widely recognized sign of a heart attack. The pain generally occurs in the center or left side of the chest and is often described as a sense of pressure or tightness.
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Pain or discomfort can also affect other parts of the upper body, including arms, back, neck and jaw.
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Shortness of breath, sudden lightheadedness, and cold sweat often accompany the pain.
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Some patients experience nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain, and other digestive distress.
What Is Angina?
A heart attack can strike with absolutely no warning, but some people experience a forerunner caused by a temporary reduction of blood flow to the heart. This condition, called angina, is recurrent chest pain that comes on with exertion and diminishes after rest.
Women and Heart Attacks
Men are traditionally viewed as the primary victims of heart attacks, but the fact is heart disease is the number one cause of death for both males and females. While the average age for a first heart attack is higher in females than males, younger women are not immune.
Heart attack symptoms are sometimes more subtle in females than males, which is another reason women are less likely to seek emergency help. Chest pain is still the primary sign, but women tend to be more vulnerable to secondary symptoms, such as fatigue, shortness of breath and lightheadedness.
If you are experiencing these symptoms or are concerned your symptoms could be cardiac related, the ER on Sonny is open 24/7. We have a full complement of cardiac monitoring and diagnostic equipment on-site as well as emergency room-trained physicians experienced in treating cardiac distress.