When Experiencing Symptoms Of A Heart Attack
- Call 911 and get to Decatur Memorial Hospital immediately
- Don’t drive yourself to the hospital
- Place ONE uncoated 325 mg or FOUR 81 mg adult aspirin(s) under your tongue and let it dissolve
- Uncertainty is normal – don’t be embarrassed by a false alarm.
ACT FAST
If you are with someone who begins to have chest discomfort, especially with one or more symptoms of a heart attack, call 911 and get to Decatur Memorial Hospital right away.
Even if you are unsure whether you are having a heart attack, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Calling 911 can quicken your care and save precious minutes. The sooner you can stop a heart attack, the better chance you have of surviving without having major lasting effects.
Common Symptoms Of A Heart Attack For Men & Women
| CHEST PAIN | This is the most common and most recognizable symptom of a heart attack. However, chest pain can come in different forms including discomfort, pressure, or a heartburn-like feeling. |
| SHORTNESS OF BREATH | Often occurring before the chest pain, it may feel like you can’t catch your breath or you can’t breathe fully and fill your lungs. |
| LIGHTHEADEDNESS | You may feel dizzy as if you might faint. |
| COLD SWEATS | Characterized by cold and clammy skin, you may break out in a cold sweat or sweat and have the chills at the same time. |
Symptoms Of A Heart Attack MORE COMMON IN WOMEN
| PAIN IN THE ARM, BACK, NECK, ABDOMEN OR SHOLDER BLADES | You may feel a prolonged pressure, tightness, or aching. |
| JAW PAIN | Chest pain may move from the chest upward to the throat and jaw, feeling a tense or choking feeling. |
| NAUSEA AND VOMITING | Associated with a feeling much like a stomach flu, the irritation of the heart nerves can cause adverse reactions in the body |
| UNEXPLAINED OR OVERWHELMING FATIQUE | Unusual exhaustion or tiredness is often overlooked, but is very common |