You haven't felt just right all day, and there's that nagging pain that runs down your left arm. Your stomach is a little queasy and there's a tightness in your chest...probably indigestion from the tacos you had for lunch. It doesn't hurt all that bad and you still have mountains of paperwork to finish before closing time. You make a mental note to get a check up when you have time...
Scenarios like this are repeated around the country hundreds of times every day. Unfortunately, many of these people are, in fact, experiencing the initial symptoms of a heart attack. Some die before they can reach a hospital because denial kept them from seeking the very help that could have saved their lives.
Denial simply wastes valuable time that could be used to stop the attack in progress before it does permanent damage to your heart.
Learn the symptoms of heart attack and don't ignore them or rationalize them away. Respond calmly and seek medical attention immediately.
If you experience chest pain during our office hours, call our CHEST PAIN CENTER at 893-8640 at once! If the pain is severe, dial 911! Our highly trained professional staff will ask you important questions and help direct you to the critical care you need. Do not attempt to drive yourself. If there is not someone at hand to provide transportation, we will send help immediately.
The response and decisions you make to chest pain during the first hour are the most important. Suffering a case of minor embarrassment if you check out OK is certainly not life-threatening. Denying a heart attack in progress, on the other hand, can be deadly. Isn't life worth it? Make the call!
WHAT ARE THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF A HEART ATTACK?
- Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or goes away and comes back. The pain may radiate to the neck, shoulders, jaw, arms or back.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sweating -- a profuse, cold sweat on the upper body.
- Nausea
- Weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness.