Heart Attack Care
If you observe any of the signs below, DO NOT WAIT and DO NOT FALL ASLEEP. Call 911 and seek treatment immediately.
Early Heart Attack Care
Early Heart Attack Care (EHAC) education teaches you to recognize the early signs and symptoms of a heart attack. Why? We want you to become an active bystander, so you can save a life--even if it's yours. About 750,000 people in the U.S. have heart attacks each year. Of those, about 116,000 die. Many of these patients experienced early symptoms. Did you know that most heart damage can occur within the first two hours of a heart attack? EHAC encourages you to know the subtle signs of a heart attack and act on them before heart damage occurs.
Learn more about Sierra Garrett's story and how listening to her gut saved her life when she had a heart attack at 26.
Learn the Early Signs & Symptoms
Heart disease is the #1 killer of both men and women in the U.S. Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack and seeking immediate treatment could save your life. Someone might have one or more of these commons symptoms when experiencing a heart attack. When they start, they can be mild or come and go. Over time, the symptoms and pain become more intense. Stay alert and always pay attention to chest pressure.
What are the risk factors?
These are the general risk factors for a heart attack. Discuss your risk with your doctor.
- Chest pain, pressure, burning, aching or tightness (These may come and go.)
- A family history of cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- Overweight or obese
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Using tobacco products
- Metabolic disease, diabetes or other illnesses
For women, risk factors can also include using birth control pills, having a history of pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, or having a low birth weight baby.
Men v. Women
Some heart attack symptoms can be different between men and women. Why does it matter? Women may be less likely to seek immediate medical care, which can cause more damage to the heart.
- Men normally feel pain and numbness in the left arm or side of chest, but in women, these symptoms may appear on the right side
- Women may feel completely exhausted, drained, dizzy or nauseous
- Women may feel upper back pain that travels up into their jaw
- Women may think their stomach pain is the flu, heartburn or an ulcer
What are atypical presentations?
In an atypical presentation, the signs and symptoms are different. How? The patient may not complain about pain or pressure in the chest. Be alert for the following:
- A sharp or "knife-like" pain that occurs with coughing or breathing
- Pain that spreads above the jawbone or into the lower body
- Difficult or labored breathing
Take the EHAC Pledge
I understand that heart attacks have beginnings that may include chest discomfort, shortness of breath, sweating, shoulder and/or arm pain, and weakness. These may occur hours or weeks before the actual heart attack. I solemnly pledge that if it happens to me or anyone I know, I will call 9-1-1 or activate our Emergency Medical Services.
Visit Deputy Heart Attack for more information about heart disease and prevention.
Complete the EHAC Course | Take the Pledge
Heart Disease
Knowing your risk factors for developing heart disease is the first step in preventing heart disease and taking care of your heart. Check the risk factors that apply to you. If two or more of these risk factors apply, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician. If you need help locating a physician, call 855.769.DOCS.
- I am a man OR woman over age 50, OR I have passed menopause OR had my ovaries removed
- My father or brother had a heart attack before age 55, OR my mother or sister had one before age 65, OR my mother, father, sister, brother, or grandparent had a stroke
- My blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher, OR a healthcare professional has said my blood pressure is too high, OR I don't know what my blood pressure is
- I smoke OR I live or work with people who smoke tobacco regularly
- My total cholesterol is 240 mg/dL or higher, OR I don't know my level
- My HDL (good) cholesterol is less than 40 mg/dL, OR I don't know my HDL cholesterol level
- I get less than a total of 30 minutes of physical activity on most days
- I am 20 pounds or more overweight for my height and build
- I have diabetes (a fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dL or higher), OR I need medicine to control my blood sugar
- I have coronary heart disease, atrial fibrillation or other heart condition(s), OR I've had a heart attack
- I've been told that I have carotid artery disease, OR I've had a stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack), OR I have a disease of the leg arteries, a high red blood cell count or sickle cell anemia
Jackson Purchase Medical Center is an ACC Accredited Chest Pain Center. To contact Emergency Services at Jackson Purchase Medical Center, call 270.251.4242.