Warning Signs of a Heart Attack

Signs You May Be Having a Heart Attack

Every year, about 805,000 people in the United States have a heart attack — with one occurring every 40 seconds. A heart attack (myocardial infarction) occurs when the flow of blood to the heart is blocked — and immediate treatment is vital.

Learn these important symptoms of a heart attack from the American Heart Association so you can get the help you need or help a loved one immediately:

Chest Discomfort

Angina (or chest pain) is the most common sign of a heart attack in both men and women. This pain may feel like discomfort or extreme pain. It may be constant or come and go. Typically, chest pain is a concern if it lasts longer than a few minutes.

Upper Body Discomfort

Typically, upper body pain affects the jaw, neck, and arms. A well-known symptom of heart attack is pain in the left arm. Nonetheless, if you experience sudden pain you should seek your doctor.

Shortness of Breath

There are many causes of shortness of breath — from illness to a heart attack. However, shortness of breath occurring alongside chest pain are two tell-tale signs of a heart attack. Shortness of breath can still signal a heart attack without chest pain.

Additional Signs

Women are more likely than men to experience heart attack symptoms, leading men to be more likely to have a ‘silent heart attack.’ Some additional signs to be mindful of include:

• Nausea/vomiting.
• Shortness of breath.
• Back/jaw pain.

Cardiac Care in Longview, Lufkin, Nacogdoches, and Odessa

Remember, if you experience any of these warning signs, you should dial 911 and visit any of our Excel ER centers for emergency medical treatment.

Our skillful team at Excel ER is equipped and trained to accurately diagnose and determine the culprit of your chest pain. From on-site imaging testing such as digital x-rays or CT scans on the chest to bloodwork for cardiac enzyme measurements and diagnostic tests including EKGs, coronary angiograms, and more, our proficient staff has a variety of diagnostic procedures and tests available to help identify the root cause of pain.

Call our helpful team to book a consultation at (903) 500-7321 or online via our online contact form.