Am I having a heart attack?
If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms listed below, call 911 immediately and let emergency medical services take you to the emergency department. Do not drive yourself or let someone else drive you. If it is a heart attack, EMS personnel can begin treating you while you are still enroute to the hospital. Within minutes of arrival, Summa doctors will evaluate you for chest pain and provide the right treatment. We are here for you 24 hours a day, every day.
Learn how to save a life. View the American Heart Association Hands-Only CPR method here.
Know the warning signs
Men and women often experience different symptoms of a heart attack. Every second counts, so it's critical to recognize the warning signs for both:
Men
Men often, but not always, experience the classic warning signs of a heart attack:
Trigger: Men often report physical exertion prior to heart attacks.
Chest discomfort with light-headedness, fainting, sweating, nausea or shortness of breath.
Pain that spreads to the shoulders, neck and arms.
Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the center of the chest that goes away and comes back
Women
Women may experience the classic symptoms, but they are often milder. Women may also have other symptoms like:
Trigger: Women most often report emotional stress prior to heart attacks.
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Nausea, vomiting or dizziness
Back or jaw pain
Unexplained anxiety, weakness or fatigue
Mild flu-like symptoms