Heart Attack Symptoms

According to the American Heart Association, heart attacks are responsible for about one in five deaths each year. Thats more than 450,000 people.

You can help reduce these statistics by learning the symptoms of a heart attack and calling 9-1-1 immediately.


Heart attacks can be sudden and intense or start with vague discomfort and pain. Learning the symptoms can help you catch a heart attack early and seek help as soon as possible.

If you or anyone you know experience these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

•Chest discomfort, sometimes described as pressure, fullness or squeezing, that lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
•Uncomfortable feelings in other parts of the upper body, such as pain in one or both arms, the neck, back, jaw or stomach.
•Shortness of breath.
•Cold sweats, nausea or lightheadedness.
Calling 9-1-1 is the fastest way to get treatment. EMS can start treatment as soon as they arrive on the scene, driving yourself to the hospital can delay this important first step of care.

Read more about what puts you at risk for heart attacks. http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_servi...

Leaders in Heart Attack Care
New technology and a close collaboration with emergency medical service providers is drastically reducing the amount of time it takes for heart attack patients to receive life-saving treatment at Ohio State University Medical Center. Since the initiative began last year, the time it takes patients arriving at the hospital with severe heart attacks to receive specialized care has been reduced by nearly half.

Read more about Ohio States special team. http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/viewer/press/Pages/index.asp... (less info)